Scraping the Toast

by Anne Main

In 2012 Sarah sorts through her late mother's effects and uncovers happy memories and a shocking family secret that has lain hidden for decades . As a child in the sixties Sarah loved visiting her Grandparents Nelly and Clifford, in their crumbling Victorian house in Alma Road. Seen through a child's eye's Sarah only saw fun and freedoms away from her strict middle class home life in Cardiff. In Alma road the refreshing lack of rules opened up a whole new world for the young girl. Her Gran loved her unconditionally and in Sarah's eyes her Gran was perfect... But was she? Her grumpy disabled grandfather Clifford, who dominates the Smith household, is the only cloud on Sarah's horizon during her visits. Sarah soon learns she can escape with Gran and get away from his beady eye. What the eye doesn't see the heart can't grieve over is Gran's motto. Fibs can help hide a multitude of sins. Unbeknown to Sarah beneath this tranquil childhood idyll dark currents are running. Why did Gran tolerate her grand father's dictatorial behaviour? Why did Gran's sister, the dour, plain Aunty Molly visit so often and as her Gran was dying why did she beg Sarah not to judge her too harshly? Sweeping through the harsh times in Cardiff during the 1930's this is a story of love and loss that sends ripples through time. Now Sarah has discovered her mother's secret, it casts everything she thought that she knew into doubt. That's the thing about secrets once you know them what do you choose to do with them?

363 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2020

Reviews

[my.bookshelf.87 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars.

Sarah is sorting through her deceased mother's paperwork and keepsakes when she uncovers some secrets from the past. The story is mainly set around the 1930s, in a terraced house in Cardiff.

Whilst I enjoyed the story and the era in which it was set, the poor grammar and spelling mistakes spoiled it somewhat. The author also confusingly changes from writing in first person narrative to third in the first few chapters..

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing waste of my time to be honest. The writing left a lot to be desired. The overall plot was interesting however the storyline was far too long winded. A simply written book that would usually take me a day or two of nighttime reading literally bored me to sleep every night for two weeks… If, like me, you cannot leave a book unfinished - do not read this. The ending was bad as well. 2 stars only for the tiny plot twist that could have been revealed in chapter 1 and would have saved me 13 nights of wasted time.

[Iris Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic Believeable Story that kept you gripped for more!

Loved this book. Could not put it down. Great story that kept you reading! Told in a great manner about what can happen to innocent folk! Kept me wanting to know all the ups & sadly downs that could hit any family anywhere. Great Read Folks.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It tugged my hearts strings

I cried many times as I turned the pages . Written with such deep emotion, straight from the heart. Some secrets really are best consigned to the history bin.

[Mrs Rosemary Plumb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this book. There were many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming therefore was not as predictable as some books . Looking forward to reading more books by this author

[Barbara Wrighting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read

Really enjoyed reading this, a relaxing easy to get lost in book with a sad but very interesting storyline that carries you along with it.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series

I’m hooked read all 4 now it’s a brilliant series can’t wait for number 5 it’s funny sometimes sad and massively credible