A Time for Renewal

Rivenshaw #2

by Anna Jacobs

In the wake of World War Two, the whole country is desperate for houses, with very little money available to rebuild. In the town of Rivenshaw in Lancashire, Mayne Esher has no choice but to turn Esherwood, the war-damaged stately home which has been in his family for generations, into flats. Rebuilding Esherwood won't be easy but with Judith Crossley by his side, Mayne hopes to restore it to its former glory. First, he must open it up to some of his long-suffering army friends...and it soon becomes clear that the house isn't the only thing which needs rebuilding. Victor is fighting his late wife's rich and arrogant mother for custody of his daughter Betty. Ros has been cheated out of her money and has nowhere to go now she's been demobbed from the army. Daniel is still unsettled after his wartime experiences. He's waiting for his divorce to go through and has family problems that take him away from Rivenshaw. Francis hasn't even been in touch. On top of these troubles, saving Esherwood proves to be a difficult undertaking for Mayne and Judith. And certain people will stop at nothing to prevent it happening. In this time of renewal, will the group find a way to rebuild their lives, and the old house, as planned? A brilliant WWII saga by the beloved bestselling writer, Anna Jacobs. This paperback book has 341 pages and measures: 19.7 x 12.8 x 2.2cm.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

Paperback

First published September 24, 2015

About the author

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

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

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

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series and unfortunately I hadn't read the first. The book was passed on to me and it was the last in my pile so I carried on regardless. I enjoyed the story and the way in which it was told and I soon got to know the characters. It was different as it was based on a group of people who knew each other because of the war and now it was over they planned on working and living together along with their families. Without giving anything away, I loved the ending.

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series, onto book three.

[Sue Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable book, such a nice read

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renewal

Another brilliant episode in the Judith and Mayne saga i loved it and little betty what an absolute little darling . And Victor and Ross so happy together definitely the feel good factor plus the usual drama expected from Anna that's book 2 now to read book 3 . A well deserved 5 STARS.

[Lauren Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, and I’m really enjoying the Rivenshaw saga.

[Ian Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** The second installment in the bestselling, uplifting Rivenshaw Saga, set at the end of the Second World War***In the wake of World War Two, the whole country is desperate for houses, with very little money available to rebuild. In the town of Rivenshaw in Lancashire, Mayne Esher has no choice but to turn Esherwood, the war-damaged stately home which has been in his family for generations, into flats. Rebuilding Esherwood won't be easy but with Judith Crossley by his side, Mayne hopes to restore it to its former glory. First, he must open it up to some of his long-suffering army friends . . . and it soon becomes clear that the house isn't the only thing which needs rebuilding.Victor is fighting his late wife's rich and arrogant mother for custody of his daughter Betty. Ros has been cheated out of her money and has nowhere to go now she's been demobbed from the army. Daniel is still unsettled after his wartime experiences. He's waiting for his divorce to go through and hasfamily problems that take him away from Rivenshaw. Francis hasn't even been in touch.On top of these troubles, saving Esherwood proves to be a difficult undertaking for Mayne and Judith. And certain people will stop at nothing to prevent it happening. In this time of renewal, will the group find a way to rebuild their lives, and the old house, as planned?

My comments:

I took a break from this saga because I love the valley so much and was not looking forward to this series ending, however I felt the time was write now to finally start winding this series down given all the other books I want to read in the future.

The second book was about Mayne continuing to make plans to rebuild his house into flats and also he's aiming to help his x army pals. In this book we meet Victor, Ros and Dan 3 of Mayne's X army friends. Victor is fighting for custody of his daughter. Ros is lost after being demobbed from the army and Dan is also struggling with his own problems. Francis the other person set to join their business has not yet been in touch.

I really enjoyed meeting these extra characters and I am looking forward to learning more about their plans in future books. This was a lovely story about romance and friendships. I am looking forward to the other two books in the series. Their is another book I am currently reading an then another book I plan to start so will be back to this series after a 2 book break to continue with book 3.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This the second book in the Rivenshaw series - actually I think there was only two, this one & the first one A Time to Remember. the first set the scene, so to speak. I think it was the better one as I think this second book was a predictable. But, even with saying this I enjoyed it as well.

It is 1945 in war torn England.

In the town of Rivenshaw in Lancashire, Mane Esher has no choice but to turn his family home, Esherwood, which has been in his family for generations, into flats. Rebuilding Esherwood won't be easy but his Judith by his side, Mayne hopes to restore it to its former glory.

We are introduced to Victor, an army buddy of Mayne's, who flees to Rivenshaw with his small daughter, Betty after the death of his wife & his demobbing from the army. his new love interest Ros, who has been cheated out of money and no where to go after she too was demobbed after the war ended.She served with the Wrens. We also meet Daniel another army buddy who is still unsettled after his wartime experiences.

is this a time of renewal, will the group find a way to rebuild their lives, and the old house, as planned?

[Charlynnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this thinking that the first book in a series is always the best book, and to top that, the second instalment will have to do even better in terms of moving the plot along, further character development etc.

I do indeed feel that the first book is better but I thoroughly enjoyed the second book as well.

We see more of Mayne Esher and Judith Maskell as two of Mayne's wartime friends come to join them at Esher House as part of the new team to turn Esher House into flats. We also see Mayne tying the knot with Judith and some further romance going on with Victor and Ros (a chance meeting on a train while Victor was escaping his mother-in-law led him to his second wife).

Love the snippets here and there about the end of World War 2 which really helped my understanding of the event, after studying it in school 20 years ago! Somehow, it made me more interested to do more research on WW2 and the post-war effects.

All in all, a good book and I simply cannot wait to start on Book 3!

[Cookie1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading all books by Anna Jacobs. This one did not disappoint. I find them easy to read and enjoy how accurate she is in her research. This book is set in England after the war. Rationing is still predominant and the men returning are suffering from what we now know as PTSD. Many are returning to find that their wives have left them or had children with other men. It is a trying time for most. Betty has lost her Mum, her Dad returns and finds that his wife has died and his mother in-law wants to become Betty’s guardian. She is a nasty, cruel woman and has no love for Betty. She simply feels she must do the right thing, even if it isn’t best for Betty.

[Megs C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a continuation of the first story, which I hadn't read for a while. Nonetheless, the characters came back to me quickly and the story picked up strong. I enjoyed the matter-of-fact nature of the writing, and the characters are rough around the edges, but very enjoyable as a whole. There is something about this writing style that I really enjoy- and the post-WW2 setting in England is very fascinating.

This book is very VERY predictable, but that doesn't take away too much from enjoyment of the story. At least for me...

[KFK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book no 2 of the series. More drama, lots of post-war suffering of men that had to fight, crazy rich people that think money can buy anything and everyone, dementia, strong women.

A great book. A bit repetitive here and there, some incorrect information (st Pauls hospital turned into a different name for some reason), but interestingly a book you would have understood without having to have read the first one.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Anna Jacob books they are simple stories with a few twists that sometimes come as a surprise. This one I have read more than once and fall in love with the characters all over again with each read, especially the children.

[Elizabeth Grandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read!

Just finished the second book in this series and I have to say it was worth it! It was exciting and it wasn't possible to guess how it was going to end.I like that in a book.

[K S Renuka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Anna..you are the best. Looking forward to more of your books. Just cant wait to read the next in this series. I can't keep the book down...it is awesome..you rock.. love reading your books always.

[Kathleen Motteler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard To Put Down!

I love this series. Great characters and storylines. It's interesting learning about postwar Britain and struggles they faced to rebuild and recover from the ravages of war.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another amazing book by Anna Jacobs
The thing I love about all the books I’ve read of hers is from the very start of a saga she pulls you right in there you feel so much part of the village and the characters
Already opening the next on in this saga

[Terena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the series and follows the further fortunes of a group of friends attempting a building venture just after the end of WW2.

[Susan Golding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Satisfactory, but not as good as the first book in the series. Do not want to read book three after this, a shame because the first book was spot on!

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as much as the first one, now its now time to read the third one A Time to Rejoice, which I am looking forward to reading. It's another five star rating for Anna Jacobs.

[Donna Goodhand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the series

Wonderful story, another good read from Anna Jacobs. Can't wait to read final instalment.
Truly inspirational writing at it's best

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Carol Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best sagass

I thoroughly enjoy Anna's writing not trash just excellently thought out and writing I Highly recommend her great writer what I call her

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Cyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

So delighted to have discovered Anna Jacobs and her wonderful historical novels. Can't wait to dive into Rivenshaw #3!!!

[Linda Hobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this saga

[Pam Coll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories of each character, several threads to plot, and a feeling of watching history unfold. The period of the end of WW2 is poignantly depicted. As usual, satisfaction!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my this series is getting interesting I love it. I love how Anna jacobs picks out characters from
Books before and expands on their characters. I am
Off to read book 3

[Christine Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the story line in how friends got together to build a business, each having their own set of skills. Read about the hardship and turmoils during this tough period in time.

[Cherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really lovely read with some brand new characters however I felt that there were far too many characters to keep up with and at times found I was a little confused with who was who and what their story was but overall an enjoyable read.

[Vicki Anne Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Again great stories, characters & settings
All AnnaJacobs are very good reading, u can see in your mind the story
Thanks toAnna Jacobs