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The Blue Hour
The Blue Hour – two love affairs and two summers, 75 years apart
Damaged by a toxic relationship, Ava Westmorland flees the ruins of her life in London for a carer’s job in a Cornish village. She hopes a combination of countryside and coast will heal her shattered heart. But she has yet to face tyrannical Tilly Barwise; the 89-year-old she will be looking after. Sharp, cantankerous and with an acid tongue, Tilly is the polar opposite of a sweet old lady. She has lived a thrillingly full life of romance and intrigue – and is determined shy Ava will follow in her doddering footsteps.
Through Tilly’s outrageous antics and bittersweet reminiscences, she shows Ava what it is to embrace life. As the pair form an unlikely bond, Tilly reveals the details of a wartime love affair with an American that ended in tragedy – but not quite in the way Tilly always believed.
Damaged by a toxic relationship, Ava Westmorland flees the ruins of her life in London for a carer’s job in a Cornish village. She hopes a combination of countryside and coast will heal her shattered heart. But she has yet to face tyrannical Tilly Barwise; the 89-year-old she will be looking after. Sharp, cantankerous and with an acid tongue, Tilly is the polar opposite of a sweet old lady. She has lived a thrillingly full life of romance and intrigue – and is determined shy Ava will follow in her doddering footsteps.
Through Tilly’s outrageous antics and bittersweet reminiscences, she shows Ava what it is to embrace life. As the pair form an unlikely bond, Tilly reveals the details of a wartime love affair with an American that ended in tragedy – but not quite in the way Tilly always believed.
- GenresFiction
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2021
22 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 21, 2021
A wartime and modern day mix of a tale set in the Cornish landscape of buffeting seas, squawking gulls, magnificent views and one woman , centre of the picture. determined to live life to the full, no matter how many eyebrows she raises.
Tilly is intermittently young and in love with American Airman Jack, and a 90 year old living in Cliff View, using brandy and cigarettes to ward off the pain as she contemplates being shipped off to a nursing home courtesy of disapproving daughter Vicky.
Enter Ava, nursing a broken heart, to care for this irreverent woman, whose teeth are often left out but whose lipstick is always near to hand. The characters in The Blue Hour beckon us beyond our own lives to join them in theirs, discovering that perfect moment of natural light at dawn or dusk, where love commences, reminiscences are indulged and two timelines collide in an other worldly tribute to wartime sacrifices and loves lost and found.
Funny, poignant and endlessly charming, this delightful debut novel brings us an irascible character in Tilly, romance, a national diet based on rationing and the idea that no matter how old you are the fading hues of twilight days can still burn shockingly bright.
Beautifully written, with an especially touching end, this is a book I can highly recommend.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Pigeonhole for the time I have spent befriending some unforgettable characters.
Tilly is intermittently young and in love with American Airman Jack, and a 90 year old living in Cliff View, using brandy and cigarettes to ward off the pain as she contemplates being shipped off to a nursing home courtesy of disapproving daughter Vicky.
Enter Ava, nursing a broken heart, to care for this irreverent woman, whose teeth are often left out but whose lipstick is always near to hand. The characters in The Blue Hour beckon us beyond our own lives to join them in theirs, discovering that perfect moment of natural light at dawn or dusk, where love commences, reminiscences are indulged and two timelines collide in an other worldly tribute to wartime sacrifices and loves lost and found.
Funny, poignant and endlessly charming, this delightful debut novel brings us an irascible character in Tilly, romance, a national diet based on rationing and the idea that no matter how old you are the fading hues of twilight days can still burn shockingly bright.
Beautifully written, with an especially touching end, this is a book I can highly recommend.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Pigeonhole for the time I have spent befriending some unforgettable characters.
July 1, 2021
Lovely writing immerses the reader into the desolate beauty of the Cornish seaside and the gossipy yet close knit community where everyone knows your business and neighbors take care of each other. Scenes switch between a young, vibrant Tilly and Jack, her American beau, and present-day curmudgeonly Tilly and her new carer, Ava, who is still reeling from heartbreak and loss of her own. Even when Tilly was at her most badly behaved, I still loved her fighting spirit. I enjoyed seeing Ava grow a backbone and create a new life for herself. I also thought the ending was wonderful and very well done. The only thing I didn't particularly like was a subplot focused on dieting and insinuating that one must be thin to really enjoy life. Overall, this is a solid historical fiction for lovers of WWII stories.
June 23, 2021
A dual timeframe story set in Cornwall during WWII and the present day. It begins with broken-hearted Ava taking on the job of carer for feisty, elderly Tilly Barwise who reminisces about life during the war and her passionate love affair with American GI Jack Turner.
This such a lovely story. I loved the way the two timelines were blended together by way of letters and diary entries as well as narrative. There are some fantastic characters, especially Tilly. She is such a card - she has a brilliant and naughty sense of humour. It’s beautifully written with some fabulous descriptions of Cornwall. I could almost imagine I was there.
A wonderful, heartwarming read with a moving ending which is sure to bring a tear to your eye.
This such a lovely story. I loved the way the two timelines were blended together by way of letters and diary entries as well as narrative. There are some fantastic characters, especially Tilly. She is such a card - she has a brilliant and naughty sense of humour. It’s beautifully written with some fabulous descriptions of Cornwall. I could almost imagine I was there.
A wonderful, heartwarming read with a moving ending which is sure to bring a tear to your eye.
June 22, 2021
WOW what a brilliant book which had me totally engrossed from the beginning.
I loved the characters and especially Tilly and Ava and will miss reading about them. Melanie has a great way of engaging you into the story that enables you to visualise the characters and setting.
It is a story that will stay with me for a very long time and I can't wait for Melanie's next book.
Please give this one a go, I am sure you will not be disappointed.
I loved the characters and especially Tilly and Ava and will miss reading about them. Melanie has a great way of engaging you into the story that enables you to visualise the characters and setting.
It is a story that will stay with me for a very long time and I can't wait for Melanie's next book.
Please give this one a go, I am sure you will not be disappointed.
June 21, 2021
I read this book on Pigeonhole, and I wasn't hugely enamoured over the first few chapters, heavy on the diary entries and letters of Jack the GI, the misery of Ava the newly brokenhearted, and Tilly the elderly, infirm lady on her last warning. However, as the story of Tilly's life begins to unfold, and as Ava relaxes into life in Cornwall, allowing it and her cantankerous charge to distract her from her broken heart, the sense of friendship, affection, community and warmth begins to shine through. I particularly enjoyed how those who just accept Tilly, who have no ulterior motive about her, her life, her home, continue to be around for her - not just putting up with her, but really caring, really being involved with her, however caustic she can be. I don't want to give any spoilers but suffice to say, the music choices were inspired!! You'll see what I mean when you get there. The ending was great too. A very satisfying closure to the story. Lovely writing, loveable characters (even ones I loved to hate!), I’ve so enjoyed this book.
June 21, 2021
If you need a novel for the heart with good laughs, this is a book for you. Tilly is going to be 90 years old, has a sharp tongue and is excentric! Reminiscing the love of her life during WWII, she tells of her life not hesitating to mention her numerous affairs and tell everybody how they should behave, eat and look... Her new carer Ava (many could not handle her!) is not very hopeful either..... However, Ava managed to break Tilly's carapace to discover a no nonsense lady with a big heart. A delightful novel which I certainly will not forget!
Thank you, Melanie, for letting me read your lovely novel for free on Pigeonhole!
Thank you, Melanie, for letting me read your lovely novel for free on Pigeonhole!
June 21, 2021
What a wonderful book! I started reading this thinking I really do not like Tilly but by the end I loved her. The story is written in two time lines, Tilly's story during world war 2 and Tilly's story now when she is nearing her 90th birthday. This book brings a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. I loved the ending.
I now have just under 30 years to practice being a Tilly and if my kids annoy me then I think I will take several leaves from her book. I will be recommending this book to friends and family, starting with my daughter!
Thank you to Melanie Greenwood and Pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely book.
I now have just under 30 years to practice being a Tilly and if my kids annoy me then I think I will take several leaves from her book. I will be recommending this book to friends and family, starting with my daughter!
Thank you to Melanie Greenwood and Pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely book.
June 21, 2021
This morning, I finished reading The Blue Hour by M J Greenwood, which has cheered me up over ten days when I have been suffering from severe chest and eye infections. I grew to love the main characters, Tilly, who reminded me of several of my grandmother’s friends, and Ava, and the village in Cornwall where they lived. I enjoyed the intertwining of present and past, especially the descriptions of life in World War Two, which reminded me of stories my grandmother told me. This is a novel that cheers you up and makes you cry at the same time.
June 21, 2021
This was such a lovely story and Tilly was a character and a half. Set in 2 timelines - WW2 with Tilly meeting her GI and 2019 as she approaches her 90th birthday. Started off not liking Tilly when Ava comes along as her live in carer but as the story went on I was rooting for her in both decades. Both funny and heartbreakingly sad. All we can hope is that we have a bit of Tillys fiestyness when we get to that age. Thank you to The Pigeonhole and to the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2021
I read this over 10 days with Pigeonhole and thoroughly enjoyed it! What a wonderful book and I absolutely loved the ending! Tilly and Ava were brought to life through amazing writing and this will stay with me for a long time! I looked forward to reading about their stories every day. Thanks so much Pigeon and Melanie.
June 21, 2021
I loved this book and adored Tilly. Very well told from each timeline perspective
June 21, 2021
Heartwarming story that was brilliant to read. Wonderful well thought out ending.
June 21, 2021
Beautiful read telling Tilly’s story through two different stages of her life, during the war when she was a young woman and towards the end of her days.
June 24, 2021
This was a lovely easy read. Although Tilly took a bit of warming too I adored her at the end of the book. With thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this one.
July 17, 2021
The book spans two timelines from 1943 during the Second World War and the present time.
Tilly is the main character and we meet her as a young impressionable woman in 1943 in love with an American Pilot Jack Turner. Tilly falls pregnant but sadly Jack is killed on a bombing raid and never meets his daughter.
The story fast forwards to the present time when Tilly is about to celebrate her 90th birthday. Tilly lives at High Cliffs, Trevino Bay the house has the best views of the Trevose Headland, Gulland and Round Hole In north Cornwall. She is a difficult and irascible old lady who likes to watch TV non stop, smokes continuously and is not adverse to a few brandies if she gets the chance!
Enter Ava Westmorland who is hired by Tilly’s daughter Victoria to look after Tilly in her own home until she has to go into a care home. Ava has just been divorced from her husband Josh and wanted to get away from her old life.
What follows is a lovely heartwarming story of Tilly and Ava gradually becoming protective of each other particularly as Tilly’s daughter wants to put her in a care home and sell High Cliffs to the highest bidder.
A really great read thank you Pigeonhole and M J Greenwood for the opportunity to read this lovely story.
Tilly is the main character and we meet her as a young impressionable woman in 1943 in love with an American Pilot Jack Turner. Tilly falls pregnant but sadly Jack is killed on a bombing raid and never meets his daughter.
The story fast forwards to the present time when Tilly is about to celebrate her 90th birthday. Tilly lives at High Cliffs, Trevino Bay the house has the best views of the Trevose Headland, Gulland and Round Hole In north Cornwall. She is a difficult and irascible old lady who likes to watch TV non stop, smokes continuously and is not adverse to a few brandies if she gets the chance!
Enter Ava Westmorland who is hired by Tilly’s daughter Victoria to look after Tilly in her own home until she has to go into a care home. Ava has just been divorced from her husband Josh and wanted to get away from her old life.
What follows is a lovely heartwarming story of Tilly and Ava gradually becoming protective of each other particularly as Tilly’s daughter wants to put her in a care home and sell High Cliffs to the highest bidder.
A really great read thank you Pigeonhole and M J Greenwood for the opportunity to read this lovely story.
June 28, 2021
Ever since I read my first novel by Rosamund Pilcher, decades ago now, I have been in love with books based in Cornwall. This book is no exception.
Introducing Tilly Barwise, one of the most endearingly original “battle maidens” of WWII, and our first protagonist. Tilly’s story begins in 1943, with Tilly, a gorgeous young woman, living her life unabashedly in tribute to “romance, cigarettes and brandy”.
Tilly is bawdy, painfully direct and often outlandish - a woman who is as determined to do her best to shock and outrage away any hint of petty pretension as she is to just simply and extravagantly enjoy herself. A one-of-a-kind heroine, it’s hard not to fall in love with Tilly, and we follow her though her first real experiences of love, with her handsome Jack, an American Air Force pilot and photographer. The story soon expands to focus on the horrors of living through a global war, both to those living the horror every day on the front-line, as well as the unimaginable impact to the lives of those loved ones left behind.
Our second protagonist is Ava, a muddled and grieving young woman, running away from her life in London., who comes to provide home care for Tilly, now an elderly and infirm woman. Ava is emotionally bereft, but no push-over, and it’s throughly engrossing to watch Ava’s path and Tilly’s, begin to intermingle, as each of them works their magic on the other, in charming, hilarious, and often unpredictable ways.
The second timeline, that of Tilly’s elderly years, is skillfully shaped and interwoven with the war-time narrative - allowing us to glimpse Tilly’s future as we re-live with her the memories of her past.
Tilly deals with the frailties and indignities of her age with the same steely determination and unpredictability that colored her youth, much to the chagrin of her family and friends, including:
-Vicky , Tilly’s “posh but dour” daughter, equally determined but absolutely no fun at all;
-Edward, Vicky’s son, who is an accountant by profession, and every bit as grim as his mother.
Totally engrossing, right up to the double-twist ending (no spoilers here!), this novel thoroughly engaged me and I’m so looking forward to reading more from this first-time author.
Introducing Tilly Barwise, one of the most endearingly original “battle maidens” of WWII, and our first protagonist. Tilly’s story begins in 1943, with Tilly, a gorgeous young woman, living her life unabashedly in tribute to “romance, cigarettes and brandy”.
Tilly is bawdy, painfully direct and often outlandish - a woman who is as determined to do her best to shock and outrage away any hint of petty pretension as she is to just simply and extravagantly enjoy herself. A one-of-a-kind heroine, it’s hard not to fall in love with Tilly, and we follow her though her first real experiences of love, with her handsome Jack, an American Air Force pilot and photographer. The story soon expands to focus on the horrors of living through a global war, both to those living the horror every day on the front-line, as well as the unimaginable impact to the lives of those loved ones left behind.
Our second protagonist is Ava, a muddled and grieving young woman, running away from her life in London., who comes to provide home care for Tilly, now an elderly and infirm woman. Ava is emotionally bereft, but no push-over, and it’s throughly engrossing to watch Ava’s path and Tilly’s, begin to intermingle, as each of them works their magic on the other, in charming, hilarious, and often unpredictable ways.
The second timeline, that of Tilly’s elderly years, is skillfully shaped and interwoven with the war-time narrative - allowing us to glimpse Tilly’s future as we re-live with her the memories of her past.
Tilly deals with the frailties and indignities of her age with the same steely determination and unpredictability that colored her youth, much to the chagrin of her family and friends, including:
-Vicky , Tilly’s “posh but dour” daughter, equally determined but absolutely no fun at all;
-Edward, Vicky’s son, who is an accountant by profession, and every bit as grim as his mother.
Totally engrossing, right up to the double-twist ending (no spoilers here!), this novel thoroughly engaged me and I’m so looking forward to reading more from this first-time author.
July 3, 2021
Thank you to Anne Cater for my invitation to the tour and to Bad Press Ink for my copy of the book in return for a fair and honest review.
The story begins with the introductions to the main characters in the story, Ava whose husband has left her and she is heartbroken and needs somewhere to recover and Tilly an elderly lady who Ava has been employed to care for. This all sounds straightforward until when Ava reaches Trevone Bay in Cornwall and is met by one of the villagers and is told the last three carers all left within days some hours. There is even a book open with locals to see how long Ava lasts.
Ava is very fragile after her break up and on her first day she ends up nearly dying in an accident. When she is introduced to Tilly nothing could have prepared her for this brandy drinking, chain smoking, loud and very outspoken lady.
They head home to Tilly’s bungalow Cliff View, neither want to be there but both are stuck there due to circumstances out of their control.
This is a really beautifully written book and the characters are so alive. Tilly’s story is really heartwrenching including how she leaves Liverpool and ends up in Cornwall and her story with Jack.
A great read with lots of twists and drama I really enjoyed the two women’s stories.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
The story begins with the introductions to the main characters in the story, Ava whose husband has left her and she is heartbroken and needs somewhere to recover and Tilly an elderly lady who Ava has been employed to care for. This all sounds straightforward until when Ava reaches Trevone Bay in Cornwall and is met by one of the villagers and is told the last three carers all left within days some hours. There is even a book open with locals to see how long Ava lasts.
Ava is very fragile after her break up and on her first day she ends up nearly dying in an accident. When she is introduced to Tilly nothing could have prepared her for this brandy drinking, chain smoking, loud and very outspoken lady.
They head home to Tilly’s bungalow Cliff View, neither want to be there but both are stuck there due to circumstances out of their control.
This is a really beautifully written book and the characters are so alive. Tilly’s story is really heartwrenching including how she leaves Liverpool and ends up in Cornwall and her story with Jack.
A great read with lots of twists and drama I really enjoyed the two women’s stories.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
August 9, 2023
A really well written and thought out novel with two intertwining storylines; same character but set decades apart. I read the last chapters twice (always a good sign!)
August 25, 2021
Two women, two romances in scenic Cornwall. They are separated by time- Tilly’s great love is in the war time past, with Jack, an American aerial photographer with the Air Force. Ava has just exited one relationship which ended badly, and is unsure whether she wants another. They come together because the eighty nine year old needs a carer in order to be allowed home from a nursing home where she has made herself the centre of attention. Ava’s break up has coincided with her being made redundant, and she desperately needs a job with accommodation. Tilly is an outrageous elderly lady, smoking heavily and drinking copiously unless prevented, but still determined to live exactly as she wants. Ava is very nearly broken by everything when she arrives, but becomes determined to make Tilly’s life at home possible and as enjoyable as it can be.
Set in a seaside village with its immense popularity among tourists, this book is a powerfully written story of life in 2015, set alongside chapters dealing with the young Tilly’s life in 1943 and 1944, when she meets Jack. Letters to Jack from his family and fiancé Jess in West Virginia speak of a life there, and his diary entries give a flavour of the pressure of his life in Britain, as he flies missions and takes the tablets to help him sleep and function. Tilly’s life in 2015 is full of the medicines that keep her going, but also of her flirting with any male, and her statements designed to shock. Ava is moved by her fragile state, annoyed by her rudeness, but also inspired by her attitude to life and the need to make the most of her time. This is a novel of two women divided by age but brought together by circumstance and the need to live. It is Jack’s story to an extent, captured in his photographs of a beautiful and vibrant Tilly, and fondly remembered in the harsh reality of a time when her daughter is desperate to regulate and if possible, quieten her mother. Ava’s discovery of a new way of life, her rescue in all senses, propel her to new sensations which are faithfully and honestly recorded in this well written book.
I enjoyed the appreciation that many of the characters have for the place in which they live. A beautiful place for its beaches and views, it also suffers the over attentions of tourists and the amazing house prices which exclude locals and makes Tilly’s house astonishingly valuable. Ava is an honest character, rocked to her core by her husband’s infidelity and her best friend’s betrayal, she soon begins to recover her spirits despite her workload in caring for Tilly. Tilly is an amazing character, always wanting to shock, living with her past love and her continuing desire for physical relationships. She inspires lots of people to diet, and women to make the best of themselves. She is fragile in body but has a spirit which demands attention. Her long ago love affair is the inspiration for her life, both then when she made life changing decisions and now as she seeks out the memories.
This is a novel with some excellent characters, with small incidences that ring true in contemporary life, a lot of humourous dialogue and at its heart well told stories. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this enjoyable book, and I recommend it as a novel which neatly combines historical fiction with contemporary observation, and the amazing character of Tilly.
Set in a seaside village with its immense popularity among tourists, this book is a powerfully written story of life in 2015, set alongside chapters dealing with the young Tilly’s life in 1943 and 1944, when she meets Jack. Letters to Jack from his family and fiancé Jess in West Virginia speak of a life there, and his diary entries give a flavour of the pressure of his life in Britain, as he flies missions and takes the tablets to help him sleep and function. Tilly’s life in 2015 is full of the medicines that keep her going, but also of her flirting with any male, and her statements designed to shock. Ava is moved by her fragile state, annoyed by her rudeness, but also inspired by her attitude to life and the need to make the most of her time. This is a novel of two women divided by age but brought together by circumstance and the need to live. It is Jack’s story to an extent, captured in his photographs of a beautiful and vibrant Tilly, and fondly remembered in the harsh reality of a time when her daughter is desperate to regulate and if possible, quieten her mother. Ava’s discovery of a new way of life, her rescue in all senses, propel her to new sensations which are faithfully and honestly recorded in this well written book.
I enjoyed the appreciation that many of the characters have for the place in which they live. A beautiful place for its beaches and views, it also suffers the over attentions of tourists and the amazing house prices which exclude locals and makes Tilly’s house astonishingly valuable. Ava is an honest character, rocked to her core by her husband’s infidelity and her best friend’s betrayal, she soon begins to recover her spirits despite her workload in caring for Tilly. Tilly is an amazing character, always wanting to shock, living with her past love and her continuing desire for physical relationships. She inspires lots of people to diet, and women to make the best of themselves. She is fragile in body but has a spirit which demands attention. Her long ago love affair is the inspiration for her life, both then when she made life changing decisions and now as she seeks out the memories.
This is a novel with some excellent characters, with small incidences that ring true in contemporary life, a lot of humourous dialogue and at its heart well told stories. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this enjoyable book, and I recommend it as a novel which neatly combines historical fiction with contemporary observation, and the amazing character of Tilly.
May 22, 2022
A really enjoyable read. I connected with the characters and found that the two timelines overlapped in an easy to absorb format. I loved how the relationship between Ava & Tilly grew & developed. What a character Tilly was & always had been. Set within the beautiful Cornish coastline, a book to truly escape with.
June 24, 2021
A heartwarming read set amidst a Cornish landscape of crashing waves, and seagulls and spanning two timelines- WWII and present day. We are introduced to Tilly, an almost nonegenerian, as she recuperates in a Nursing Home. She is a formidable force of nature, always saying what she thinks, doling out diet advice to others, chainsmoking cigarettes, always eager to quench her thirst with a brandy and still lusting after men. Now trapped in a decaying body, rarely wearing her false teeth or indeed a bra, Tilly proudly holds on to her memories of being a siren in her youth. We are transported back to her younger days and her love affair with a handsome American GI. His diaries are interspersed to give an idea of the experiences of Wartime Britain and the soldiers constantly under attack.
A new carer has been drafted in to look after Tilly, after a string of fleeting and failed previous ones. Her quick-wit and sharp tongue are not for fainthearted. Enter Ava. The new carer. Ava comes to town heartbroken, homeless, and adrift and despite all bets that she will fail in her role, ends up striking up an endearing relationship with the irascible Tilly. The characters really latch onto your heartstrings and there are plenty of laughs and tears as we share their highs and lows, loves and losses. I absolutely loved this story and felt bereft as I finished reading. I feel like I was immersed in the Cornish community with new friends. It takes great skill to develop characters and plot so realistically. With many thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for this wonderful read.
A new carer has been drafted in to look after Tilly, after a string of fleeting and failed previous ones. Her quick-wit and sharp tongue are not for fainthearted. Enter Ava. The new carer. Ava comes to town heartbroken, homeless, and adrift and despite all bets that she will fail in her role, ends up striking up an endearing relationship with the irascible Tilly. The characters really latch onto your heartstrings and there are plenty of laughs and tears as we share their highs and lows, loves and losses. I absolutely loved this story and felt bereft as I finished reading. I feel like I was immersed in the Cornish community with new friends. It takes great skill to develop characters and plot so realistically. With many thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for this wonderful read.
June 25, 2021
This was a beautiful, warming read, set in Cornwall. The book is written in dual timelines, and this was perfect for telling this story brilliantly. Tilly is the heart of this story, and it is told from when she was young and in love and then a 90 year old woman, needing care.
Tilly, at 90, is a difficult woman who needs, but does not want, to be looked after. Her family are fed up with her and want to put her in a care home but are willing to try yet another Carer, this time, the last chance for Tilly to remain at her home. Even the taxi drivers are taking bets on how long the new carer will last, when into their lives strides Ava. Running away from heartbreak, Ava doesn’t want to be there either, but she is also resilient and strong enough to cope with Tilly’s tantrums.
The characters in this story are so well drawn they will stay with me for a long time. It was lovely to go back in time to when Tilly was young and in love with an airman named Jack, the father of Tilly’s daughter Vicky. It was also lovely to be a part of the friendship that builds between Tilly and Ava. As a reader you are drawn into their lives.
This is a beautifully written debut novel that will stay with me until I read her next new novel. I await it eagerly.
Tilly, at 90, is a difficult woman who needs, but does not want, to be looked after. Her family are fed up with her and want to put her in a care home but are willing to try yet another Carer, this time, the last chance for Tilly to remain at her home. Even the taxi drivers are taking bets on how long the new carer will last, when into their lives strides Ava. Running away from heartbreak, Ava doesn’t want to be there either, but she is also resilient and strong enough to cope with Tilly’s tantrums.
The characters in this story are so well drawn they will stay with me for a long time. It was lovely to go back in time to when Tilly was young and in love with an airman named Jack, the father of Tilly’s daughter Vicky. It was also lovely to be a part of the friendship that builds between Tilly and Ava. As a reader you are drawn into their lives.
This is a beautifully written debut novel that will stay with me until I read her next new novel. I await it eagerly.
June 25, 2021
In 1944 Tilly Barwise is a young girl from Liverpool who meets Jack Turner an American GI. They fall in love but then her mother decides that she is taking the family to live in Ireland. Jack is being sent to Cornwall and he arranges for Tilly to work for a local family there where she will look after two young boys.
Some years later in 2015 Ava Westmoreland arrives in Cornwall after her divorce and she is employed as a carer to Tilly who is now almost 90.
Tilly might be an old lady but she has lost none of the spirit she had as a young girl and certainly doesn't want a carer. In fact the other unfortunate people who have had this role have only lasted a very short time. However Ava is made of sterner stuff and she and Tilly eventually become to respect one another.
As the story unfolds we discover what happened in Tilly's life after the war and what happened to Jack Turner.
The first part of this book was set in the RAF base at Burtonwood which is not far from where I live. In fact I think our house is actually on the old airbase land. I really enjoyed this book and I have great admiration for the unsinkable Tilly who wasn't going to grow old gracefully, a sentiment I agree with wholeheartedly.
Some years later in 2015 Ava Westmoreland arrives in Cornwall after her divorce and she is employed as a carer to Tilly who is now almost 90.
Tilly might be an old lady but she has lost none of the spirit she had as a young girl and certainly doesn't want a carer. In fact the other unfortunate people who have had this role have only lasted a very short time. However Ava is made of sterner stuff and she and Tilly eventually become to respect one another.
As the story unfolds we discover what happened in Tilly's life after the war and what happened to Jack Turner.
The first part of this book was set in the RAF base at Burtonwood which is not far from where I live. In fact I think our house is actually on the old airbase land. I really enjoyed this book and I have great admiration for the unsinkable Tilly who wasn't going to grow old gracefully, a sentiment I agree with wholeheartedly.
June 30, 2021
This has two love stories, told across two timelines: Modern day, with Ava after she moves to Cornwall to be the feisty Tilly's live-in carer whilst recovering from the heartbreak of divorce and her husband's infidelity, and Tilly's during WW2 with Jack the American pilot.
This book has some amazing characters, most notably Tilly: ninety years old, determined to do as she pleases (namely smoking and drinking) and using her sharp wit to keep things interesting.
This is beautifully written, and uses diary entries and letters to great effect to help tell the story of Tilly and Jack. It was a romance without being too cheesy, thanks to the characters, humour and other storylines. It was a real mood booster and I was sorry when it ended.
I don't normally read this genre (normally a crime/thriller junkie) but I'm very glad I asked for a place to read it on The Pigeonhole, it's probably been the best book I've read in several months perhaps even this year!
Thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
This book has some amazing characters, most notably Tilly: ninety years old, determined to do as she pleases (namely smoking and drinking) and using her sharp wit to keep things interesting.
This is beautifully written, and uses diary entries and letters to great effect to help tell the story of Tilly and Jack. It was a romance without being too cheesy, thanks to the characters, humour and other storylines. It was a real mood booster and I was sorry when it ended.
I don't normally read this genre (normally a crime/thriller junkie) but I'm very glad I asked for a place to read it on The Pigeonhole, it's probably been the best book I've read in several months perhaps even this year!
Thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
June 22, 2021
This was a wonderful book driven with a strong storyline encompassing two different time periods. Two amazing, strong women are the central characters. Tilly is 89, cantankerous, inappropriate and totally glorious! Her sparring partner is Ava, a young woman who is brought in as a carer for her. Ava is expected to fail as she is inexperienced and inept to begin with but she is tougher than she first appears. She is determined and will stand up to Tilly. Their friendship blossoms and develops built on a foundation of trust, understanding and love.
There are two romances that grow through the book, one a wartime romance for the younger Tilly and the other a budding new relationship for Ava, who had been hurt before.
There is lovely writing, with evocative descriptions and humour throughout. There are moments to make you laugh and heartbreaking moments that will bring tears to your eyes.
I have loved the escapism of spending time with Tilly and Ava in Cornwall and will miss them now I’ve finished reading.
I read this on Pigeonhole and thoroughly recommend it.
There are two romances that grow through the book, one a wartime romance for the younger Tilly and the other a budding new relationship for Ava, who had been hurt before.
There is lovely writing, with evocative descriptions and humour throughout. There are moments to make you laugh and heartbreaking moments that will bring tears to your eyes.
I have loved the escapism of spending time with Tilly and Ava in Cornwall and will miss them now I’ve finished reading.
I read this on Pigeonhole and thoroughly recommend it.
June 22, 2021
I loved this book, such a good story. When Ava arrives to be Tilly's carer the locals secretly take bets on how long she'll put up with the 90 year old. Ava is fresh from a relationship break-up, Tilly fresh from a nursing home. Tilly's story is told in two timelines, the infirm 90 year old of today, and a wonderfully vibrant young woman during the second world war. The vibrancy hasn't left Tilly mentally but her body has become frail and life is painful for her. But these two gradually form a great relationship, each understanding the other very perceptively. There's romance, there are characters who leave much to be desired in the kindness stakes, there's fun in the characters - and a great story! Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read!
June 25, 2021
What a wonderful book!
It takes a little while to warm to Tilly, but what an amazing lady. Her story flashes back to WW2 from nearly present day.
The writing and characterisation is excellent and so sensitive........ I can't wait to read more books by M J Greenwood.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
Thank you to Pigeonhole for the chance to read in exchange for an honest review.
It takes a little while to warm to Tilly, but what an amazing lady. Her story flashes back to WW2 from nearly present day.
The writing and characterisation is excellent and so sensitive........ I can't wait to read more books by M J Greenwood.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
Thank you to Pigeonhole for the chance to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this lighthearted read!
I must admit that I wasn't sure about Tilly at the start, but by the end of the book I'd changed my mind about her.
It was really well written and I was sad to see the end of Tilly and Ava. I loved Tilly's larger than life character and I loved how Ava grew more confident as the book went on. I also loved the friendship that developed between the two of them, despite the locals not being very confident about Ava lasting more than a day in her job as Tilly's carer!
Thank you to PH and Melanie Greenwood for the chance to read this book.
I must admit that I wasn't sure about Tilly at the start, but by the end of the book I'd changed my mind about her.
It was really well written and I was sad to see the end of Tilly and Ava. I loved Tilly's larger than life character and I loved how Ava grew more confident as the book went on. I also loved the friendship that developed between the two of them, despite the locals not being very confident about Ava lasting more than a day in her job as Tilly's carer!
Thank you to PH and Melanie Greenwood for the chance to read this book.
June 21, 2021
Heartwarming, humorous and poignant, this is a beautifully written book. I didn't like Tilly at the beginning, but loved her at the end. The story's dual timeline was wonderful, and all the characters were relatable, if a little eccentric. Thank you Pigeonhole MJ Greenwood for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
March 2, 2022
Mention war-time romantic novels and inevitably one expects certain tropes to be used. The Blue Hour freshens up the genre with a sensitive account of a 90-year-old heroine. Tilly Barwise is a chain-smoking, rude old woman who most carers refuse to work with, except for Ava, down on her luck after a failing marriage. Cornwall is the backdrop for this gorgeous story and Greenwood's descriptions are vivid and sensual.
The friendship that strikes up between the two women becomes tender and benefits the whole Cornish community. At the heart of the story is love, and being open and available to new adventures
One of the many strengths of the novel is the way that Tilly's wartime romance with GI Jack is portrayed. Tilly and Jack's stories from the 1940s are contrasted with the current day and jump off the page.
Greenwood is particularly good at writing about sex but also, bodies. She turns her laser eye on Tilly's ageing body and shows us the contorted feet, the withered shanks and contrasts that with the glamour puss she used to be in her scarlet pink swimming costume. The novel is layered, evocative and a feel-good read that pulls you gently along, without a hint of sentimentality. Highly recommended.
The friendship that strikes up between the two women becomes tender and benefits the whole Cornish community. At the heart of the story is love, and being open and available to new adventures
One of the many strengths of the novel is the way that Tilly's wartime romance with GI Jack is portrayed. Tilly and Jack's stories from the 1940s are contrasted with the current day and jump off the page.
Greenwood is particularly good at writing about sex but also, bodies. She turns her laser eye on Tilly's ageing body and shows us the contorted feet, the withered shanks and contrasts that with the glamour puss she used to be in her scarlet pink swimming costume. The novel is layered, evocative and a feel-good read that pulls you gently along, without a hint of sentimentality. Highly recommended.
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