What do you think?
Edie’s Home for Strays
**Published in North America as Edie’s Home for Orphans and in the UK as Edie’s Home for Strays**
On the Home Front, one girl is determined to make a difference.
Edie’s hopes of serving overseas are dashed when she’s sent to be a Land Girl in a sleepy Cumbrian village.
Prue has shut the world out since her son went away to fight. Yet when asked to take in a Land Girl and two little evacuees from London, she has no choice.
Edie’s heart breaks seeing the children’s cold welcome. But when the evacuees take in a stray puppy, even Prue can’t say no.
Edie realises Applefield Manor could become a sanctuary. But can she persuade Prue to open her heart, and her home?
A moving, uplifting wartime story that fans of Dilly Court will love.
On the Home Front, one girl is determined to make a difference.
Edie’s hopes of serving overseas are dashed when she’s sent to be a Land Girl in a sleepy Cumbrian village.
Prue has shut the world out since her son went away to fight. Yet when asked to take in a Land Girl and two little evacuees from London, she has no choice.
Edie’s heart breaks seeing the children’s cold welcome. But when the evacuees take in a stray puppy, even Prue can’t say no.
Edie realises Applefield Manor could become a sanctuary. But can she persuade Prue to open her heart, and her home?
A moving, uplifting wartime story that fans of Dilly Court will love.
416 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2021
About the author
Gracie Taylor
3 books10 followersGracie Taylor grew up in rural West Yorkshire. After university she spent time in several different cities, but eventually returned to settle in the Dales. Gracie Taylor is a pen name for Lisa Firth, who also writes award-winning contemporary romantic comedies as Mary Jayne Baker and uplifting women’s fiction as Lisa Swift. Edie’s Home for Strays is her first historical novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 23, 2021
London, 1941.
Edie Cartwright had consumption as a child, it’s scarred her lungs and she’s very disappointed when Dr Grant declares her unfit for active service. Edie lost her job as a teacher at Brick Street School, it was closed due to the war and like everyone in her age group she wants to serve her country. Dr Grant suggests again about Edie moving to the countryside, her lungs would benefit from the clean air, they desperately need Land Girls, she completes the training course and she finds herself on the way to Cumberland.
The owner of Applefield Manor Mrs. Prudence Hewitt is waiting for her, she’s rather stern and not very welcoming. Edie will be helping the gardener Jack Graham around the estate and she will also be working for Sam Nicholson, caring for his sheep at nearby Larkstone farm. Matilda Liddell is the cook at the manor, she’s friendly and the others take one look at Edie’s slight build and they don’t think she will last two weeks. Edie proves them all wrong, yes she’s sore and tired to start off with and soon she’s feeling the best she’s ever felt and the horrible tight feeling in her chest has gone away.
Prudence isn’t happy when she informed two evacuees are going to being billeted with her and the children are from Bethnal Green. Agnes and James Cawthra arrive, the children are extremely underweight, small for their ages and James is mute. Edie and Matilda make the children feel welcome, it’s not long before Prue and Jack both find a new lease of life and really enjoy having the children around. When the children save a tiny puppy, they keep Coco hidden in the barn, he’s the first of many animals that join Pepper the black crow at Applefield Manor and the atmosphere around the place changes.
Edie’s Home for Orphans is a delightful story about Edie and her discovering how much she enjoys living in the country, looking after animals and being land girl. Her joy is infectious, her kindness thaws the coolest of hearts, including Mrs. Hewitt's and the slightly reserved sheep farmer Sam Nicholson's. I really enjoyed reading about the relationships and friendships in the story, the menagerie of animals and the kindness shown to the Italian POW’s.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, a lovely wartime story by Gracie Taylor and five stars from me.
Edie Cartwright had consumption as a child, it’s scarred her lungs and she’s very disappointed when Dr Grant declares her unfit for active service. Edie lost her job as a teacher at Brick Street School, it was closed due to the war and like everyone in her age group she wants to serve her country. Dr Grant suggests again about Edie moving to the countryside, her lungs would benefit from the clean air, they desperately need Land Girls, she completes the training course and she finds herself on the way to Cumberland.
The owner of Applefield Manor Mrs. Prudence Hewitt is waiting for her, she’s rather stern and not very welcoming. Edie will be helping the gardener Jack Graham around the estate and she will also be working for Sam Nicholson, caring for his sheep at nearby Larkstone farm. Matilda Liddell is the cook at the manor, she’s friendly and the others take one look at Edie’s slight build and they don’t think she will last two weeks. Edie proves them all wrong, yes she’s sore and tired to start off with and soon she’s feeling the best she’s ever felt and the horrible tight feeling in her chest has gone away.
Prudence isn’t happy when she informed two evacuees are going to being billeted with her and the children are from Bethnal Green. Agnes and James Cawthra arrive, the children are extremely underweight, small for their ages and James is mute. Edie and Matilda make the children feel welcome, it’s not long before Prue and Jack both find a new lease of life and really enjoy having the children around. When the children save a tiny puppy, they keep Coco hidden in the barn, he’s the first of many animals that join Pepper the black crow at Applefield Manor and the atmosphere around the place changes.
Edie’s Home for Orphans is a delightful story about Edie and her discovering how much she enjoys living in the country, looking after animals and being land girl. Her joy is infectious, her kindness thaws the coolest of hearts, including Mrs. Hewitt's and the slightly reserved sheep farmer Sam Nicholson's. I really enjoyed reading about the relationships and friendships in the story, the menagerie of animals and the kindness shown to the Italian POW’s.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, a lovely wartime story by Gracie Taylor and five stars from me.
May 10, 2021
On the Home Front, one girl is determined to make a difference. Edie's hopes of serving overseas are dashed when when she's sent to be a Land Girl in a sleepy Cumbrian village.
Prue has shut the world out since her son went away to fight. Yet when she's asked to take in a Land Girl and two little evacuees from London, she has no choice. Edie's heart breaks seeing the children's cold welcome. But when the evacuees take in a puppy even Prue can't say no.
London, 1941: Edie had had consumption when she was a child. It had scarred her lungs and she was declared unfit for active service. She also lost her job as a school teacher when Brick Street school was closed due to the war. She becomes a Land Girl and stays in Applefield Manor where Prue Hewitt has taken her in. Prue wasn't happy at having to open up her house for the war effort. Edie, two evacuees and a puppy soon win Prue round. Edie soon makes friends with the staff that work at the Manor house and the Land Girls she works with. This is a well written and Heart-warming read with plenty going on. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #GracieTaylor for my ARC of #EdiesHomeForStrays in exchange for an honest review.
Prue has shut the world out since her son went away to fight. Yet when she's asked to take in a Land Girl and two little evacuees from London, she has no choice. Edie's heart breaks seeing the children's cold welcome. But when the evacuees take in a puppy even Prue can't say no.
London, 1941: Edie had had consumption when she was a child. It had scarred her lungs and she was declared unfit for active service. She also lost her job as a school teacher when Brick Street school was closed due to the war. She becomes a Land Girl and stays in Applefield Manor where Prue Hewitt has taken her in. Prue wasn't happy at having to open up her house for the war effort. Edie, two evacuees and a puppy soon win Prue round. Edie soon makes friends with the staff that work at the Manor house and the Land Girls she works with. This is a well written and Heart-warming read with plenty going on. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #GracieTaylor for my ARC of #EdiesHomeForStrays in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2021
I loved this book it was set during WW2 but, this time it concentrated on the Land Army. It was interesting and very sweet and I loved all the characters especially Tilly and the Land Girl Edie who eventually got her man. I would love to read a sequel if there was one in the pipeline. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 21, 2021
Those you save
This is a story of love and compassion. A young land girl from London, a widowed lady in a large house in the country, a lonesome farmer and two children evacuated from London.
Prudence rambled around on her large home waiting for her only son Bertie to return from the Navy. She asks for a land girl to be sent to help with the work now that her gardener Jack is getting on in age. Edie wanted to join the Wrens to help with the war but her bad lungs kept her out. She volunteered to be a land girl instead and was sent to Prudence at Applefield Manor.
Part of Edie’s job was to work part time at Larkstone Farm for Sam Nicholson. There she met the disagreeable farmer, two more land girls , a lad from the village and two Italian POWs working on the farm. From Sam and Edie’s first meeting who would ever think there would be a romance .
Between Applegate Manor and Larkstone farm there became a refuge for the abandoned. From the unwed mother who is the cook in the kitchen at Applegate Manor, to the two evacuee children Aggie and James, and a menagerie of animals it becomes a sanctuary for animals, land girls and the humans living there.
A charming story of love, compassion, understanding and hope in a country at war. I do recommend this book.
Thanks to Gracie Taylor, Avon Books U.K. And NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of the book.
This is a story of love and compassion. A young land girl from London, a widowed lady in a large house in the country, a lonesome farmer and two children evacuated from London.
Prudence rambled around on her large home waiting for her only son Bertie to return from the Navy. She asks for a land girl to be sent to help with the work now that her gardener Jack is getting on in age. Edie wanted to join the Wrens to help with the war but her bad lungs kept her out. She volunteered to be a land girl instead and was sent to Prudence at Applefield Manor.
Part of Edie’s job was to work part time at Larkstone Farm for Sam Nicholson. There she met the disagreeable farmer, two more land girls , a lad from the village and two Italian POWs working on the farm. From Sam and Edie’s first meeting who would ever think there would be a romance .
Between Applegate Manor and Larkstone farm there became a refuge for the abandoned. From the unwed mother who is the cook in the kitchen at Applegate Manor, to the two evacuee children Aggie and James, and a menagerie of animals it becomes a sanctuary for animals, land girls and the humans living there.
A charming story of love, compassion, understanding and hope in a country at war. I do recommend this book.
Thanks to Gracie Taylor, Avon Books U.K. And NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of the book.
December 24, 2020
Edie's Home for Orphans (Edie's Home for Strays-UK title) by Gracie Taylor is an excellent WWII era historical fiction novel that I truly enjoyed. It takes place in rural northern England 1941 in a quintessential town. There were moments I laughed out loud, I teared up, and that I also smiled as I read the heartfelt stories of this hodge-podge group of amazing individuals.
Edie is a young woman from London that has had her fair share of obstacles in life. Edie is a passionate, warm soul that wants to do her part and help out her country any way she can. However, Edie contracted TB as a child and is not medically cleared to join any group other then The Land Army. Edie travels to Applefield Manor to do what she can. Through this move, Edie is able to find her purpose in life, find herself, forgive herself for what she perceives as her part in some of her family losses, and is able to help transform a group of lost souls in the process.
What I loved most about this novel is the wonderful changes that take place in not only Edie, but with several characters within two different farms/homesteads. It is as if everyone is frozen in confusion, listlessness, loss, and unhappiness. It takes one person to break that mold, to start the process of forgiveness, acceptance, and the ability for many feel that they are able to find happiness and live again. I loved seeing the changes to Edie, Jack, Prue, Tilly, Sam, Davy, Aggie, and Jimmy. To see these lost souls, with feelings of being completely homeless and unwanted in life with no place to call home and no purpose, finally all be able to work through their obstacles and find these things, was so heartwarming and wonderful to read. I loved these characters, and I really think that the author has plenty of material here to be able to create a series, or at least a set, of subsequent novels featuring these characters. I would love to see a novel about Luca and Tilly, or about Bertie and his life now that he is discharged from service. Such amazing, complex, and well-thought out characters to use and draw from.
I also loved reading about the Land Army in general. Some of the tasks that they performed, and also Sam's farm with the lambs and birthing. It was definitely interesting to learn more.
I truly loved this novel and I highly recommend it. I hope it turns into a series, and if so, I would be the first person to pick it up. Excellent.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts on publication on 5/27/21.
Edie is a young woman from London that has had her fair share of obstacles in life. Edie is a passionate, warm soul that wants to do her part and help out her country any way she can. However, Edie contracted TB as a child and is not medically cleared to join any group other then The Land Army. Edie travels to Applefield Manor to do what she can. Through this move, Edie is able to find her purpose in life, find herself, forgive herself for what she perceives as her part in some of her family losses, and is able to help transform a group of lost souls in the process.
What I loved most about this novel is the wonderful changes that take place in not only Edie, but with several characters within two different farms/homesteads. It is as if everyone is frozen in confusion, listlessness, loss, and unhappiness. It takes one person to break that mold, to start the process of forgiveness, acceptance, and the ability for many feel that they are able to find happiness and live again. I loved seeing the changes to Edie, Jack, Prue, Tilly, Sam, Davy, Aggie, and Jimmy. To see these lost souls, with feelings of being completely homeless and unwanted in life with no place to call home and no purpose, finally all be able to work through their obstacles and find these things, was so heartwarming and wonderful to read. I loved these characters, and I really think that the author has plenty of material here to be able to create a series, or at least a set, of subsequent novels featuring these characters. I would love to see a novel about Luca and Tilly, or about Bertie and his life now that he is discharged from service. Such amazing, complex, and well-thought out characters to use and draw from.
I also loved reading about the Land Army in general. Some of the tasks that they performed, and also Sam's farm with the lambs and birthing. It was definitely interesting to learn more.
I truly loved this novel and I highly recommend it. I hope it turns into a series, and if so, I would be the first person to pick it up. Excellent.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts on publication on 5/27/21.
June 18, 2021
Edie’s Home for Orphans by Gracie Taylor is a sweet historical novel. Edie Cartwright wants to do her bit for the war effort, but her health precludes her from joining the WRENs (Women’s Royal Naval Service). She learns that she can join the Women’s Land Army (become a Land Girl). Edie is assigned to Applefield Manor in Cumberland where she will work part-time helping Prudence Hewitt’s gardener, Jack and spend the rest of time at Larkstone Farm. Edie is mystified when she learns that only four people live in such a large home. Soon, two evacuees join the household much to Prue’s dismay. The siblings have had a rough time of it and need love plus reassurance. Edie hopes that the children will help soften Prue’s heart and open the doors to the manor. All lost strays need a sanctuary. Edie’s Home for Orphans is a charming, inspirational tale. It has great characters that include Edie, Prue, Jack, Sam, Tilly, the siblings, and a variety of animals. I liked seeing the characters develop over the course of the story. There are good descriptions of Cumberland, and I thought the author captured the feeling of the war especially how everyone wants to help. I enjoyed learning about the Women’s Land Army. Food was needed to feed the soldiers as well as those at home. With the men off fighting, women were needed on the farms. In Edie’s Home for Orphans, we get to see that there is more than one type of family. The story does contain some mild foul language (less than ten words). I enjoyed Gracie Taylor’s debut novel. I look forward to reading this author’s books in the future. Edie’s Home for Orphans is a heartwarming, uplifting historical novel.
December 7, 2021
Just finished this little gem. Set in war time and telling the story of a land girl who wants to change the world, one stray at a time. Really loved the story from start to finish, and the gentle gruffness of Sam the farmer is a delight to watch unfold. 5 stars from me!
December 15, 2020
I have a soft spot for books that feature an underdog girl who has spunk. Edie Cartwright is just that. That girl made this book! The transformations that every character made was impressive. The author treated all the characters as true people with thoughts and feelings and that made the story that much better. I fell in love with Prue and Jack, Tillie and Samantha, and of course Edie and Sam.
It was such a beautiful story of Edie who wanted to do something meaningful with her life, but consumption at a young age left her lungs weak. She could only join the Land Army during WW2 and while she wasn't happy about it, she made the best of it. This was one of the best WW2 love stories I've read in a while.
It was such a beautiful story of Edie who wanted to do something meaningful with her life, but consumption at a young age left her lungs weak. She could only join the Land Army during WW2 and while she wasn't happy about it, she made the best of it. This was one of the best WW2 love stories I've read in a while.
December 13, 2020
Edie has joined the Land Army during War War 2,There she meets a bunch of people she lives with. There is Prue the mansion owner ,Tilly the Cook and Jack the hand who has also known Prue sine childhood. Prue is a tough cookie or so she wants others to think. She also works for Sam on his farm a grumpy guy. Soon 2 small children join the crew and a puppy. Love blooms . This is a great book. I enjoyed reading it. Was sad to see it end. I could have read more . Great people in the book. I recomend this #Netgally#
September 17, 2024
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
This is quite a sweet book set in the countryside during the Second World War. I liked the slight focus on the Land Girls, but this is more about the lost souls that find themselves at Applefield Manor.
This is quite a sweet book set in the countryside during the Second World War. I liked the slight focus on the Land Girls, but this is more about the lost souls that find themselves at Applefield Manor.
September 25, 2021
Edie's home of orphans was a very delightful read I thought I was going to be crying like there was no tomorrow (and I did) I was happy to learn that Edie was a very pleasant character with a very huge heart, she was kind to everyone including the animals. I enjoy her story a lot.
The secondary characters Prue, Jack, and Sam were great, my favorite characters as Tilly, I think the story wouldn't be great without a Tilly on the equation. all of them, every story was another great story to learn.
This is the story of Edie a young woman trying to fight and help to finally put at end of the evilness of the war, but due to some complications, Edie has to change her plans a little and help in some other ways. that's when we begin to know Edie's story.
This was a very pleasant surprise that really made me smile, and as everyone said it was very heartwarming.
The secondary characters Prue, Jack, and Sam were great, my favorite characters as Tilly, I think the story wouldn't be great without a Tilly on the equation. all of them, every story was another great story to learn.
This is the story of Edie a young woman trying to fight and help to finally put at end of the evilness of the war, but due to some complications, Edie has to change her plans a little and help in some other ways. that's when we begin to know Edie's story.
This was a very pleasant surprise that really made me smile, and as everyone said it was very heartwarming.
August 27, 2021
A comforting hug of a book
What a beautifully told story of Edie, Prue, Tilly, Jack and Sam.
I adored this story, it really showed the horrors of war but also the hopeful ever optimistic side too.
Brava!
What a beautifully told story of Edie, Prue, Tilly, Jack and Sam.
I adored this story, it really showed the horrors of war but also the hopeful ever optimistic side too.
Brava!
January 31, 2021
Edie wants to join up to help in the fight against Hitler, but all of the avenues of opportunity are closed off to her because she had consumption as a child and her lungs are just not strong enough. The ONLY thing she can do is to become a Land Girl and help out on a farm in a Cumbrian village. She boards at the Applewood Manor and works part time at the Larkstone Farm. Her landlady at Applewood, Prue Hewitt, is a woman who has closed herself off from the rest of the world and given up the hope of ever loving again. Edie shows up with stars in her eyes and a willing heart. The work is harder than anything she ever expected and yet she shows her pluck by never giving up.
Prue has inherited Applewood from her late husband, Albert, who married the housekeeper's daughter in spite of the "class difference." Prue is not one of the more popular residents of the village, and Patricia, the priest's wife, takes every opportunity to let her know just how far beneath she is. When Patricia insists that Prue take in evacuee children, Prue isn't entirely happy about it, but when the children (Aggie and Jimmy) arrive, she loses a bit of her heart to them. Edie is on hand to help with the children and makes fast friends with them.
Also inhabiting Applewood are Jack and Tilly. Jack is the gardener who has loved Prue since they were children, and Tilly is a young mother-to-be who is secretly married to an Italian prisoner of war.
Edie works for Sam Nicholson at Larkstone Farm, helping with the sheep--birthing, raising, and general care of the farm. Sam sees a like-minded woman in Edie and wants to know her better, but doesn't quite know how to go about it. He is branded as a coward because he is not off fighting in the war, even though no one in town knows that he can't pass the physical. He feels his problems are his own and no one else's business.
This book is misnamed to a degree, because it is Prue's home that takes in all of the strays and orphans. It is Prue's attitude that changes as the plot moves on through the book. It is Prue who has the bigger romantic plot line, rather than Edie; which is not to say that Edie doesn't have her own romantic plot, hers is just not as significant as Prue's.
This is the first book I've read by Gracie Taylor, and I hope it is not the last one I will read by her. The characters are engaging, and the plot is compelling. The settings are bucolic and inviting, and there are events in the plot that make it more exciting. Gracie has also dealt with PTSD (although that was not the term for the condition back in the day) in a dignified way to bring empathy toward the sufferers. This is the kind of book a reader picks up and won't put down until the very last page is finished.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and Aggie's Cheese Custard for tea.
HarperCollins Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Prue has inherited Applewood from her late husband, Albert, who married the housekeeper's daughter in spite of the "class difference." Prue is not one of the more popular residents of the village, and Patricia, the priest's wife, takes every opportunity to let her know just how far beneath she is. When Patricia insists that Prue take in evacuee children, Prue isn't entirely happy about it, but when the children (Aggie and Jimmy) arrive, she loses a bit of her heart to them. Edie is on hand to help with the children and makes fast friends with them.
Also inhabiting Applewood are Jack and Tilly. Jack is the gardener who has loved Prue since they were children, and Tilly is a young mother-to-be who is secretly married to an Italian prisoner of war.
Edie works for Sam Nicholson at Larkstone Farm, helping with the sheep--birthing, raising, and general care of the farm. Sam sees a like-minded woman in Edie and wants to know her better, but doesn't quite know how to go about it. He is branded as a coward because he is not off fighting in the war, even though no one in town knows that he can't pass the physical. He feels his problems are his own and no one else's business.
This book is misnamed to a degree, because it is Prue's home that takes in all of the strays and orphans. It is Prue's attitude that changes as the plot moves on through the book. It is Prue who has the bigger romantic plot line, rather than Edie; which is not to say that Edie doesn't have her own romantic plot, hers is just not as significant as Prue's.
This is the first book I've read by Gracie Taylor, and I hope it is not the last one I will read by her. The characters are engaging, and the plot is compelling. The settings are bucolic and inviting, and there are events in the plot that make it more exciting. Gracie has also dealt with PTSD (although that was not the term for the condition back in the day) in a dignified way to bring empathy toward the sufferers. This is the kind of book a reader picks up and won't put down until the very last page is finished.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and Aggie's Cheese Custard for tea.
HarperCollins Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 30, 2020
Edie wants to help the war effort but can only do so by becoming a land girl and making sure the country had food for the table.A lovely book with plenty of surprises that you will need tissue's handy.5*
March 6, 2021
I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC for this. I will try and make this as spoiler free as possible
Edie's home was a very slow burn book for me, and while it wasn't bad, i really struggled to get into it and often found myself putting it down in favor of doing other things. It took me about 20 days to complete and I'm the kind of person that can read a book overnight.
Edie wanted to assist with the war effort, but due to an illness in her childhood, was only able to assist as a land girl, a task which she sees as less than. She moves into a home in the country with Prudence, the grumpy land lady, Tilly, an outcast of the town, and old man Jack. There she assists with the land there and with Farmer Sam's land a small bike ride away. Throughout the story, Edie will discover how the smallest thing can make the biggest difference, and she, and the other outcasts may find themselves a family...
Character wise, I think we only got one real fleshed out character, and that was Edie. A couple of others were touched upon, and we got a small glimpse into who they are, but it was not enough for me to really care about anyone.
One character totally lost me in the last couple of chapters, I really liked her growth, but then i feel like she really messed up, and maybe I'm not that easy to forgive, but it felt to me like she threw all that growth away and really spat on the people that loved her. Yes, she said sorry, but what she said was hurtful and one of the things she said, she had said previously, and as this book was really only set over a few months, I wonder how often she may use that argument when she is angry, and I saw that as a form of abuse, and so i could not reconcile her character development with that behavior
The romance, I didn't get it. I don't think we spent enough time with them to really feel that much, I love a good love story but this was very lackluster. The fact that Edie didn't even know for sure that love was involved, tells me that it was a bit slow all round. I personally didn't feel the connection, and i desperately wish we had seen more of the build up
I think the UK title (home for strays) works better than Home for Orphans, as strays is more those who are lost, and i feel that all those who entered Prue's home were lost in someway.
By the end of the book, i was relieved i was finished, but i thought it ended a bit too wishywashy. There were no real stakes in this book that is set during the war. The only character we met and lost was a blip, to the point i hardly remembered who they were. In comparison to other books about war, this one made it easy to actually forget there was a war on at all, and I guess maybe that was the point? But i just wish there had been a bit more at stake..
I'm still giving this a 3 star, as it wasn't badly written and while i found it dull, it was still a sweet story and i do think others will enjoy it. Its a good novel to escape into, it's just not my jam.
Edie's home was a very slow burn book for me, and while it wasn't bad, i really struggled to get into it and often found myself putting it down in favor of doing other things. It took me about 20 days to complete and I'm the kind of person that can read a book overnight.
Edie wanted to assist with the war effort, but due to an illness in her childhood, was only able to assist as a land girl, a task which she sees as less than. She moves into a home in the country with Prudence, the grumpy land lady, Tilly, an outcast of the town, and old man Jack. There she assists with the land there and with Farmer Sam's land a small bike ride away. Throughout the story, Edie will discover how the smallest thing can make the biggest difference, and she, and the other outcasts may find themselves a family...
Character wise, I think we only got one real fleshed out character, and that was Edie. A couple of others were touched upon, and we got a small glimpse into who they are, but it was not enough for me to really care about anyone.
One character totally lost me in the last couple of chapters, I really liked her growth, but then i feel like she really messed up, and maybe I'm not that easy to forgive, but it felt to me like she threw all that growth away and really spat on the people that loved her. Yes, she said sorry, but what she said was hurtful and one of the things she said, she had said previously, and as this book was really only set over a few months, I wonder how often she may use that argument when she is angry, and I saw that as a form of abuse, and so i could not reconcile her character development with that behavior
The romance, I didn't get it. I don't think we spent enough time with them to really feel that much, I love a good love story but this was very lackluster. The fact that Edie didn't even know for sure that love was involved, tells me that it was a bit slow all round. I personally didn't feel the connection, and i desperately wish we had seen more of the build up
I think the UK title (home for strays) works better than Home for Orphans, as strays is more those who are lost, and i feel that all those who entered Prue's home were lost in someway.
By the end of the book, i was relieved i was finished, but i thought it ended a bit too wishywashy. There were no real stakes in this book that is set during the war. The only character we met and lost was a blip, to the point i hardly remembered who they were. In comparison to other books about war, this one made it easy to actually forget there was a war on at all, and I guess maybe that was the point? But i just wish there had been a bit more at stake..
I'm still giving this a 3 star, as it wasn't badly written and while i found it dull, it was still a sweet story and i do think others will enjoy it. Its a good novel to escape into, it's just not my jam.
December 24, 2020
Edie's Home for Strays (Edie's Home for Orphans-UK title) by Gracie Taylor is an excellent WWII era historical fiction novel that I truly enjoyed. It takes place in rural northern England 1941 in a quintessential town. There were moments I laughed out loud, I teared up, and that I also smiled as I read the heartfelt stories of this hodge-podge group of amazing individuals.
Edie is a young woman from London that has had her fair share of obstacles in life. Edie is a passionate, warm soul that wants to do her part and help out her country any way she can. However, Edie contracted TB as a child and is not medically cleared to join any group other then The Land Army. Edie travels to Applefield Manor to do what she can. Through this move, Edie is able to find her purpose in life, find herself, forgive herself for what she perceives as her part in some of her family losses, and is able to help transform a group of lost souls in the process.
What I loved most about this novel is the wonderful changes that take place in not only Edie, but with several characters within two different farms/homesteads. It is as if everyone is frozen in confusion, listlessness, loss, and unhappiness. It takes one person to break that mold, to start the process of forgiveness, acceptance, and the ability for many feel that they are able to find happiness and live again. I loved seeing the changes to Edie, Jack, Prue, Tilly, Sam, Davy, Aggie, and Jimmy. To see these lost souls, with feelings of being completely homeless and unwanted in life with no place to call home and no purpose, finally all be able to work through their obstacles and find these things, was so heartwarming and wonderful to read. I loved these characters, and I really think that the author has plenty of material here to be able to create a series, or at least a set, of subsequent novels featuring these characters. I would love to see a novel about Luca and Tilly, or about Bertie and his life now that he is discharged from service. Such amazing, complex, and well-thought out characters to use and draw from.
I also loved reading about the Land Army in general. Some of the tasks that they performed, and also Sam's farm with the lambs and birthing. It was definitely interesting to learn more.
I truly loved this novel and I highly recommend it. I hope it turns into a series, and if so, I would be the first person to pick it up. Excellent.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts on publication on 5/27/21.
Edie is a young woman from London that has had her fair share of obstacles in life. Edie is a passionate, warm soul that wants to do her part and help out her country any way she can. However, Edie contracted TB as a child and is not medically cleared to join any group other then The Land Army. Edie travels to Applefield Manor to do what she can. Through this move, Edie is able to find her purpose in life, find herself, forgive herself for what she perceives as her part in some of her family losses, and is able to help transform a group of lost souls in the process.
What I loved most about this novel is the wonderful changes that take place in not only Edie, but with several characters within two different farms/homesteads. It is as if everyone is frozen in confusion, listlessness, loss, and unhappiness. It takes one person to break that mold, to start the process of forgiveness, acceptance, and the ability for many feel that they are able to find happiness and live again. I loved seeing the changes to Edie, Jack, Prue, Tilly, Sam, Davy, Aggie, and Jimmy. To see these lost souls, with feelings of being completely homeless and unwanted in life with no place to call home and no purpose, finally all be able to work through their obstacles and find these things, was so heartwarming and wonderful to read. I loved these characters, and I really think that the author has plenty of material here to be able to create a series, or at least a set, of subsequent novels featuring these characters. I would love to see a novel about Luca and Tilly, or about Bertie and his life now that he is discharged from service. Such amazing, complex, and well-thought out characters to use and draw from.
I also loved reading about the Land Army in general. Some of the tasks that they performed, and also Sam's farm with the lambs and birthing. It was definitely interesting to learn more.
I truly loved this novel and I highly recommend it. I hope it turns into a series, and if so, I would be the first person to pick it up. Excellent.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts on publication on 5/27/21.
July 21, 2021
ON THE HOME FRONT, ONE GIRL IS DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.But Edie’s hopes of serving overseas are dashed when she’s sent to be a Land Girl in a sleepy Cumbrian village.Prue has shut the world out since her son went away to fight.Yet when she’s asked to take in a Land Girl and two little evacuees from London, she has no choice.Edie’s heart breaks, seeing the children’s cold welcome.But when the evacuees take in a stray puppy, even Prue can’t say no.Edie realises Applefield Manor could become a sanctuary.But can she persuade Prue to open her heart,and her home?
The War Agricultural Executive Committees or "War Ags"were government-backed organisations tasked with increasing agricultural production in each UK county, during both World Wars.They were established by the 2nd Earl of Selborne,the Board of Agriculture and County Councils,with the aim of better managing the country's limited wartime agricultural resources.After performing surveys of rural land in their county, each Committee was given the power to serve orders to farmers"requiring work to be done, or, in cases of default, to take possession of the land".Evacuees and their hosts were often astonished to see how each other lived.Many evacuees from inner-city areas had never seen farm animals before or eaten vegetables.Many stately homes in the English countryside were given over for use as nursery schools or homes for young children evacuated from cities across the country.For some,the war was a time of fear and confusion that meant separation,destruction,and loss.However, for others,these years were the most exciting and happiest time of their lives.The British pet massacre occurred in 1939 where so many pets were killed in preparation for food shortages.Many pet owners, after getting over the fear of bombings and lack of food, regretted killing their pets and blamed the government for starting the hysteria.Animal charities and animal lovers were horrified at the pet cull and they tried to manage the sheer amount of animals queuing up at their doorsteps.Animal sanctuaries,kind strangers sought to give animals a proper and loving home.
The War Agricultural Executive Committees or "War Ags"were government-backed organisations tasked with increasing agricultural production in each UK county, during both World Wars.They were established by the 2nd Earl of Selborne,the Board of Agriculture and County Councils,with the aim of better managing the country's limited wartime agricultural resources.After performing surveys of rural land in their county, each Committee was given the power to serve orders to farmers"requiring work to be done, or, in cases of default, to take possession of the land".Evacuees and their hosts were often astonished to see how each other lived.Many evacuees from inner-city areas had never seen farm animals before or eaten vegetables.Many stately homes in the English countryside were given over for use as nursery schools or homes for young children evacuated from cities across the country.For some,the war was a time of fear and confusion that meant separation,destruction,and loss.However, for others,these years were the most exciting and happiest time of their lives.The British pet massacre occurred in 1939 where so many pets were killed in preparation for food shortages.Many pet owners, after getting over the fear of bombings and lack of food, regretted killing their pets and blamed the government for starting the hysteria.Animal charities and animal lovers were horrified at the pet cull and they tried to manage the sheer amount of animals queuing up at their doorsteps.Animal sanctuaries,kind strangers sought to give animals a proper and loving home.
December 6, 2020
Love is the pulse of this charming book which exudes warmth and tenderness, like being wrapped in a cozy quilt. Set in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside during WWII, the story is engaging, lovely, heartbreaking and delightful. Stark realities of war are part of the story but the overwhelming themes are love, courage, acceptance and hope...not just romantic love, either, but between friends and siblings as well.
Edie, a "townie" from London, is desperate to dive into the war efforts and becomes a Land Girl. Tough work to begin with but she grows accustomed to it, physically and mentally, and discovers she is capable of more than she originally thought. She really shines in finding her niche and is a beacon and help for others. She billets at Prue's vast home and is first intimidated by her but as the story goes on we learn why Prue has built defensive walls around her heart. Many other characters are introduced, including farm workers, evacuees and stray animals which is particularly relevant to me as an animal lover. What a sweet addition! As in real life, each character has something personal to overcome and it was delightful to watch this progression here.
Historical Fiction readers are sure to get swept away in this book, especially if you have a fondness of orphans, human or animal. Your heart will be touched and warmed by it. It was a tremendous treat.
My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
Edie, a "townie" from London, is desperate to dive into the war efforts and becomes a Land Girl. Tough work to begin with but she grows accustomed to it, physically and mentally, and discovers she is capable of more than she originally thought. She really shines in finding her niche and is a beacon and help for others. She billets at Prue's vast home and is first intimidated by her but as the story goes on we learn why Prue has built defensive walls around her heart. Many other characters are introduced, including farm workers, evacuees and stray animals which is particularly relevant to me as an animal lover. What a sweet addition! As in real life, each character has something personal to overcome and it was delightful to watch this progression here.
Historical Fiction readers are sure to get swept away in this book, especially if you have a fondness of orphans, human or animal. Your heart will be touched and warmed by it. It was a tremendous treat.
My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
December 27, 2020
I was excited to read this book because it sounded like an adorable WWII story (well, as adorable as any WWII story can be, really). Edie Cartwright is a Londoner desperate to do her part to help the war effort. Her goal is to be a Wren, but due to a childhood bought with consumption as a child, her doctor feels the best way for her to serve her country is as a Land Girl.
Edie is sent to Applefield Manor, near where her late father grew up. Her landlady, Prue Hewitt, and her boss, Sam Nicholson have been hardened from their own trauma. Edie works to soften their hard shells and open their hearts to love and life again.
I feel like the potential is there for this to be a great book. The idea of Edie helping Sam and Prue work through their resistance to love is great, and the take on animal rescue during the war is not something I've read a lot about, and I've read a LOT of books set in the WWII era. However, this book just falls flat for me. The writer uses a lot of dialogue to explain instead of showing us and trusting the reader to figure out what the characters are feeling and thinking. I also don't see a lot of plot to show how some of the characters made their evolution, in particular Sam. There is also a lot of jumping around from points of view, even between paragraphs in points. I would probably not have finished this book if it wasn't an advanced read copy.
I think with some tweaking this could be a good young adult novel so I'd recommend this book for people who enjoy young adult historical fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advanced read copy in exchange for my honest review.
Edie is sent to Applefield Manor, near where her late father grew up. Her landlady, Prue Hewitt, and her boss, Sam Nicholson have been hardened from their own trauma. Edie works to soften their hard shells and open their hearts to love and life again.
I feel like the potential is there for this to be a great book. The idea of Edie helping Sam and Prue work through their resistance to love is great, and the take on animal rescue during the war is not something I've read a lot about, and I've read a LOT of books set in the WWII era. However, this book just falls flat for me. The writer uses a lot of dialogue to explain instead of showing us and trusting the reader to figure out what the characters are feeling and thinking. I also don't see a lot of plot to show how some of the characters made their evolution, in particular Sam. There is also a lot of jumping around from points of view, even between paragraphs in points. I would probably not have finished this book if it wasn't an advanced read copy.
I think with some tweaking this could be a good young adult novel so I'd recommend this book for people who enjoy young adult historical fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advanced read copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 15, 2020
Let me start by saying how pleased and delighted I was with this book. I was also very surprised and disappointed. When I finished reading this beautifully written, heartfelt story, I immediately looked for another novel by Gracie Taylor for my next read. The biggest surprise was that this was her first historical novel. That too is where the disappointment comes in.
Ms. Taylor has such a beautiful voice in her writing. The characters were so believable and special. I felt like I was right there with them and they were all my newest friends. I hated every time I had to sit the book down because my real life was interfering. The overall returning theme was love and family. Family, as we know, isn't just our biological relatives. The families that were formed during this story were so touching. This was a story set in WWII Britain with bombings, air raids, being called up, also not qualifying, and MIA's, but it was so much more. I am not sure when a novel has touched me quit like this one did. I am so thankful to have received a copy of this wonderful book from Avon Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ms. Taylor has such a beautiful voice in her writing. The characters were so believable and special. I felt like I was right there with them and they were all my newest friends. I hated every time I had to sit the book down because my real life was interfering. The overall returning theme was love and family. Family, as we know, isn't just our biological relatives. The families that were formed during this story were so touching. This was a story set in WWII Britain with bombings, air raids, being called up, also not qualifying, and MIA's, but it was so much more. I am not sure when a novel has touched me quit like this one did. I am so thankful to have received a copy of this wonderful book from Avon Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 15, 2020
Let me start by saying how pleased and delighted I was with this book. I was also very surprised and disappointed. When I finished reading this beautifully written, heartfelt story, I immediately looked for another novel by Gracie Taylor for my next read. The biggest surprise was that this was her first historical novel. That too is where the disappointment comes in.
Ms. Taylor has such a beautiful voice in her writing. The characters were so believable and special. I felt like I was right there with them and they were all my newest friends. I hated every time I had to sit the book down because my real life was interfering. The overall returning theme was love and family. Family, as we know, isn't just our biological relatives. The families that were formed during this story were so touching. This was a story set in WWII Britain with bombings, air raids, being called up, also not qualifying, and MIA's, but it was so much more. I am not sure when a novel has touched me quit like this one did. I am so thankful to have received a copy of this wonderful book from Avon Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ms. Taylor has such a beautiful voice in her writing. The characters were so believable and special. I felt like I was right there with them and they were all my newest friends. I hated every time I had to sit the book down because my real life was interfering. The overall returning theme was love and family. Family, as we know, isn't just our biological relatives. The families that were formed during this story were so touching. This was a story set in WWII Britain with bombings, air raids, being called up, also not qualifying, and MIA's, but it was so much more. I am not sure when a novel has touched me quit like this one did. I am so thankful to have received a copy of this wonderful book from Avon Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read
November 26, 2020I read Gracie Taylor's next book, "Edie's Home for Orphans" and enjoyed it. Here's a sneak peek:
An enjoyable peek into a slice of the World War II effort that doesn't garner a lot of attention. Apart from the front lines, the concentration camps, the bombing raids, are the lives of those who didn't enter the battlefield. Edie was not eligible to serve in the war because of lingering effects of consumption, the disease that took her father's life. Feeling like her father had traded his life for her own, she had a strong desire to serve and felt a failure, but agreed to become a "land girl" and serve in the countryside to help grow and sustain agricultural and animal products that were so desperately needed. She arrived at her assignment, finding many others who also felt "less than" serving in more dangerous areas of the conflict, but Edie found a way to make a difference.
It was a "bloom where you are planted" themed book, a feel good predictable story, but worth the time to read for sure. I enjoyed it.
An enjoyable peek into a slice of the World War II effort that doesn't garner a lot of attention. Apart from the front lines, the concentration camps, the bombing raids, are the lives of those who didn't enter the battlefield. Edie was not eligible to serve in the war because of lingering effects of consumption, the disease that took her father's life. Feeling like her father had traded his life for her own, she had a strong desire to serve and felt a failure, but agreed to become a "land girl" and serve in the countryside to help grow and sustain agricultural and animal products that were so desperately needed. She arrived at her assignment, finding many others who also felt "less than" serving in more dangerous areas of the conflict, but Edie found a way to make a difference.
It was a "bloom where you are planted" themed book, a feel good predictable story, but worth the time to read for sure. I enjoyed it.
October 1, 2021
World War II is the setting and long-orphaned, young adult Edie looks for her place in the war effort. When friends are able to escape the bombings of London by signing up to serve, Edie finally finds her place as a Land Girl for the farming program. She is assigned to the home of reserved woman, Prue, in the countryside. Prue is widowed and her only son is serving in the Navy. She is wary to get close to anyone. Edie enters the household and warms up to bring new life to Applefield Manor.
As one of her assignments, Edie works at the sheep farm of a nearby bachelor farmer. His reputation, though, is shady and his manner is brusque. Plus, two Italian war captives live and work at his farm, which doesn't help with the farmer's relations with town.
Edie realizes that many in the village community are also "orphaned" in some way or another, including a slew of animals that new to be rehomed.
I appreciated the slivers of light in the story, told during a challenging period of history. Thanks to Avon Books UK for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.
As one of her assignments, Edie works at the sheep farm of a nearby bachelor farmer. His reputation, though, is shady and his manner is brusque. Plus, two Italian war captives live and work at his farm, which doesn't help with the farmer's relations with town.
Edie realizes that many in the village community are also "orphaned" in some way or another, including a slew of animals that new to be rehomed.
I appreciated the slivers of light in the story, told during a challenging period of history. Thanks to Avon Books UK for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.
January 12, 2021
A heartwarming book set in a northern country village during WW II. Edie is desperate to join the forces and do her bit in the fight against Hitler. Unfortunately, a childhood illness has left her with a weak chest and she is unable to pass the medical Her doctor and family friend recommends the Land Army and although it's not what she wants she has little choice. When she arrives in the village she finds that her duties are to be split between working in the garden of a large house and a sheep farm. Neither the owner of the house nor the farmer are very welcoming when she arrives and she finds it very daunting, she does however make friends with the cook at the house and the land girls who are working on the farm. She has a way with people and animals and her kindness and empathy will see her through the rough times. There is so much more to the book which I thought was well written and enjoyable
June 3, 2021
Edie’s Home for Orphans was a delightful story full of wonderful characters with a heartwarming story. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and enjoyed each new orphan that was introduced. It was nice to read a story set during WWII that was as heart wrenching as most books set in this setting are.
Edie is a determined, loving and hardworking young woman who has joined the Land Army as her health does not allow her to do anything else to help the war efforts. When she moves to the country she meets an eclectic group of people that welcome her to their home and lives.
The author did a wonderful job in creating the characters in the book. They are all easily likeable and I found myself routing for all of them. The story covers several storylines yet they are all intertwined. This is just am enjoyable and heartwarming book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this book. .
Edie is a determined, loving and hardworking young woman who has joined the Land Army as her health does not allow her to do anything else to help the war efforts. When she moves to the country she meets an eclectic group of people that welcome her to their home and lives.
The author did a wonderful job in creating the characters in the book. They are all easily likeable and I found myself routing for all of them. The story covers several storylines yet they are all intertwined. This is just am enjoyable and heartwarming book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this book. .
November 29, 2020
Edie’s Home for Strays/Orphans is such a delightful story. Whilst I rarely read War time stories, this one caught my interest because of the blurb and gorgeous vintage cover. This is a heartwarming story set against the backdrop of WWII Britain. It is rich in likeable characters, beautifully woven descriptions and believable realities. The sadness of the consequences of War are outweighed by the hope created of giving people and animals a second chance, building family from those around you and allowing moments of happiness to shine. This is a very special book that is heart centred and restores your faith in others. Really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Gracie Taylor, Avon/ Harper Collins and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary ARC and all opinions are unbiased and my own.
Thank you to Gracie Taylor, Avon/ Harper Collins and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary ARC and all opinions are unbiased and my own.
May 27, 2021
I loved this book so much, I found it like being wrapped in a warm hug. Edie is being sent to Cumbria to become a Land Girl, that word excited me as I love reading about the Land Girls, they might not of thought that they were doing much for the War, but they really were vital.Edie is going to live at Applefield Manor that just sounds lovely, She gets herself stuck into all sorts of Farm work which she enjoys but makes her tired as she is not use to the kind of work she is doing. I think Edie is a strong woman who wants the best for everyone and has a very kind heart. There are some lovely characters that are bought to life within this story, animals and two young evacuees make this a truly special story. I read it in a day and it did not disappoint. It would be interesting to see if there is a follow on.
Read
June 10, 2021Edie’s Home for Orphans is a beautiful story of finding a place to belong even in the hardest of times.
Edie is a young woman from London, who wants to serve her country some way. Instead of the excitement of serving in the woman’s army due to medical issues, she is sent to be a Land Girl in a small farm town: The work is tiresome, the people are cold and her desire to help seems pointless. Little by little, her kindness and determination warm the hearts of those around her, leading to a new family and love.
Each character is memorable. The story was full of ups and downs. It is a story that reminds us of what a little kindness and compassion can bring to those around us, A wonderful story of accepting others and looking beyond judgements and mistakes. ( I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.)
Edie is a young woman from London, who wants to serve her country some way. Instead of the excitement of serving in the woman’s army due to medical issues, she is sent to be a Land Girl in a small farm town: The work is tiresome, the people are cold and her desire to help seems pointless. Little by little, her kindness and determination warm the hearts of those around her, leading to a new family and love.
Each character is memorable. The story was full of ups and downs. It is a story that reminds us of what a little kindness and compassion can bring to those around us, A wonderful story of accepting others and looking beyond judgements and mistakes. ( I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.)
May 10, 2021
What a great warm hearted read, and yet, it takes place during wartime in England, WWII. Bombs are being dropped in London, but this is the the rich farmland of the north.
Edie, is a young woman who wants to join her friends in the war effort by joining the WRENS, but because of some health problems ends up going to the Land Girls, someone who works from dawn to dusk to put food on the table.
Expect the unexpected here, when Prue opens her home to take in Edie, her life is about to change forever.
Assumptions many, hard work, yes, and a bit of romance, prisoners, animals, and a delightful crow.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Avon Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
Edie, is a young woman who wants to join her friends in the war effort by joining the WRENS, but because of some health problems ends up going to the Land Girls, someone who works from dawn to dusk to put food on the table.
Expect the unexpected here, when Prue opens her home to take in Edie, her life is about to change forever.
Assumptions many, hard work, yes, and a bit of romance, prisoners, animals, and a delightful crow.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Avon Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 30, 2020
Genuinely heartwarming! Even though this book was written about Edie, Prue was my go to gal in this book. I was so warmed and charmed by her growth and love and feelings. Her battle within herself and the way she shut herself down and how hard it was for her to open back up again. This sort of struggle is real and it really touched me. I loved the way Edie finagled the care back out of Prue and I adored her belief in the older woman. The family they bonded together to create was absolutely beautiful and I am so thankful I was chosen to receive a copy of this book! It was definitely something that touched my heart and something I will remember for a long time to come!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews