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Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes
Winner of the Golden Crown Literary Society (Goldies) Award for Historical Fiction.
A family torn apart by secrets. Love is the only way forward.
Maud Heaston has been in love with Beatrice Williams since they first met in 1939. They’ve been through hell and back; family, careers, and secrets have threatened to tear them apart, but their love has endured it all. Until now. Old age and illness have forced them into separate nursing homes and the family Maud trusted to take care of them are only out for themselves.
Hannah Jones is trying to put her past behind her and find her place in the world. Midway through a doctorate and living with Suki, the woman she’d like to be more than just friends with, the last thing she needs is Gammy, her interfering great aunt, back in her life. Though Gammy took Hannah in when her mother died, her overbearing nature and constant criticisms forced them apart. Now they barely speak.
Maud needs Hannah’s help to be reunited with the love of her life. Hannah needs Suki to take a chance on love. Can a reconciliation between Maud and Hannah free them both to be with the women they love or will the past destroy their future?
A family torn apart by secrets. Love is the only way forward.
Maud Heaston has been in love with Beatrice Williams since they first met in 1939. They’ve been through hell and back; family, careers, and secrets have threatened to tear them apart, but their love has endured it all. Until now. Old age and illness have forced them into separate nursing homes and the family Maud trusted to take care of them are only out for themselves.
Hannah Jones is trying to put her past behind her and find her place in the world. Midway through a doctorate and living with Suki, the woman she’d like to be more than just friends with, the last thing she needs is Gammy, her interfering great aunt, back in her life. Though Gammy took Hannah in when her mother died, her overbearing nature and constant criticisms forced them apart. Now they barely speak.
Maud needs Hannah’s help to be reunited with the love of her life. Hannah needs Suki to take a chance on love. Can a reconciliation between Maud and Hannah free them both to be with the women they love or will the past destroy their future?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2021
62 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 4, 2025
Historical romances are my first love, even though I cannot read many of them as they are often heartbreaking and tragic. I started this audiobook with a bit of apprehension, then, without realizing it, Brancroft had stolen my heart. The book is incredibly well-written, navigating Maud and Bea's lives through time and between their love story and Hannah's—Maud's great-niece—in the present. I was hooked, navigating their times during war and afterward, building a life, suffering loss, and multiple separations. I cried and smiled. While Bea is the sweetest human, I had a bit of trouble opening up to Maud at first, but after a few chapters, I came to really understand and respect her. She is strong, simultaneously so ahead of her time and old-school. Even in her conflictual relationship with Hannah, Brancroft managed to make me understand both of them. The writing is just smart. The audiobook is long, yet when the flashbacks of Bea and Maud stopped in the 1960s, I realized I could have listened to many more hours of their stories, building their life together. McMahon's narration was good and gave it the perfect vintage feeling a historical romance needs.
Reading a historical novel that doesn't shy away from showing how hard it was to be queer not so long ago, but yet gives the characters a happily ever after, is always a prowess. I always feel humbled and grateful after reading these books. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series.
Reading a historical novel that doesn't shy away from showing how hard it was to be queer not so long ago, but yet gives the characters a happily ever after, is always a prowess. I always feel humbled and grateful after reading these books. I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series.
September 16, 2022
An emotive read with rich characters. Maud and Bea's love which spanned decades and endured through numerous trials was especially touching.
September 16, 2021
E.V. Bancroft’s debut novel is a sweeping epic of the enduring power of love. Maud and Bea have been in love with each other since 1939. They have stayed together through war, family interference and their careers only to be sent to separate nursing homes in the twilight of their lives. Maud is devastated and her only hope is her great niece, Hannah, who Maud raised after the death of her mother and grandmother, along with her “best friend” Bea.
One look at Beatrice Williams and Maud Heaston’s life is changed forever. Bea arrives as Maud’s brothers tutor and the two have an instant connection. Maud isn’t only attracted to Bea, they also share a desire to learn and have careers and not just marry and have children. Maud’s brother Harry is also smitten with Bea but she rejects him letting him know where her heart lies. Harry goes off to war and Maud’s family finds out about her and Bea’s relationship when her sister sees them kissing. Maud is forbidden from seeing Bea so she decides to join the war effort in the Land Army so she could earn her own money and wouldn’t have to marry George, the poor bloke whom her mother pressured her to get engaged to.
Bea and Maud wrote to each other and met up when they could and eventually after the war was over settled in London together. Over the years they continued to love each other although to the outside world they presented themselves as just best friends. When Maud’s sister and niece were killed in a car accident, teenager Hannah came to live with them. She was angry and struggling to accept her sexuality and her and Maud often butted heads. But when Maud and Bea are put in separate nursing homes, their letters are sent to Hannah. Reading of the love between them that she never knew existed, she begins to see her Aunt in a new light. The letters bring her closer to her roommate Suki, who she’s been in love with for some time. Hannah is determined to help reunite Maud with her true love and hopefully get her own happy ending as well.
E.V. Bancroft really went for it with her first novel. Writing an epic that spans over 75 years is no small feat. The way the past and present were interweaved was seamless. We not only get to experience Hannah’s relationship to Maud, Bea and Suki but we get to take the journey with Maud and Bea as they meet and fall in love. The characters are really well developed. I loved the sweetness of Bea and the stubbornness and passion of Maud. I appreciated Hannah’s desire to understand the aunt she had always had issues with and in the process discovers more about herself and her capacity to love. Suki is Hannah’s roommate and in the shared experience of reading Maud and Bea’s letters, finds her courage to follow her heart. I may actually love Maud’s brother, Harry, most of all. Despite his love for Bea, he knew what she shared with Maud was stronger, and gave his blessing to his sister. For a man to do that anytime shows such strength of character but to do so during the 1940’s, is really beautiful.
It is wonderful to read a love story that spans so many years. We are all searching for what Maud and Bea have, a love that not only survives but gets even stronger the more time that passes. The ending was beautiful and brought a tear to my eyes. I highly recommend and will be looking forward to what comes next from E.V. Bancroft.
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
https://sapphicbookreview.com/review/...
One look at Beatrice Williams and Maud Heaston’s life is changed forever. Bea arrives as Maud’s brothers tutor and the two have an instant connection. Maud isn’t only attracted to Bea, they also share a desire to learn and have careers and not just marry and have children. Maud’s brother Harry is also smitten with Bea but she rejects him letting him know where her heart lies. Harry goes off to war and Maud’s family finds out about her and Bea’s relationship when her sister sees them kissing. Maud is forbidden from seeing Bea so she decides to join the war effort in the Land Army so she could earn her own money and wouldn’t have to marry George, the poor bloke whom her mother pressured her to get engaged to.
Bea and Maud wrote to each other and met up when they could and eventually after the war was over settled in London together. Over the years they continued to love each other although to the outside world they presented themselves as just best friends. When Maud’s sister and niece were killed in a car accident, teenager Hannah came to live with them. She was angry and struggling to accept her sexuality and her and Maud often butted heads. But when Maud and Bea are put in separate nursing homes, their letters are sent to Hannah. Reading of the love between them that she never knew existed, she begins to see her Aunt in a new light. The letters bring her closer to her roommate Suki, who she’s been in love with for some time. Hannah is determined to help reunite Maud with her true love and hopefully get her own happy ending as well.
E.V. Bancroft really went for it with her first novel. Writing an epic that spans over 75 years is no small feat. The way the past and present were interweaved was seamless. We not only get to experience Hannah’s relationship to Maud, Bea and Suki but we get to take the journey with Maud and Bea as they meet and fall in love. The characters are really well developed. I loved the sweetness of Bea and the stubbornness and passion of Maud. I appreciated Hannah’s desire to understand the aunt she had always had issues with and in the process discovers more about herself and her capacity to love. Suki is Hannah’s roommate and in the shared experience of reading Maud and Bea’s letters, finds her courage to follow her heart. I may actually love Maud’s brother, Harry, most of all. Despite his love for Bea, he knew what she shared with Maud was stronger, and gave his blessing to his sister. For a man to do that anytime shows such strength of character but to do so during the 1940’s, is really beautiful.
It is wonderful to read a love story that spans so many years. We are all searching for what Maud and Bea have, a love that not only survives but gets even stronger the more time that passes. The ending was beautiful and brought a tear to my eyes. I highly recommend and will be looking forward to what comes next from E.V. Bancroft.
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
https://sapphicbookreview.com/review/...
October 22, 2021
A delightful, well written debut.
Spanning the years from the start of the Second World War to the present day, the book follows the relationship between Bea and Maud, and the struggles they go through to be together.
Interwoven with this story of love through the decades is the contemporary story of Hannah and her relationship with Suki. The challenges that Hannah faces contrast with the world her Gammy had to deal with, but in the end, love and being true to yourself are what really matter.
The characters drew me in, and I was engrossed until the end. A great first novel, I look forward to the next.
Spanning the years from the start of the Second World War to the present day, the book follows the relationship between Bea and Maud, and the struggles they go through to be together.
Interwoven with this story of love through the decades is the contemporary story of Hannah and her relationship with Suki. The challenges that Hannah faces contrast with the world her Gammy had to deal with, but in the end, love and being true to yourself are what really matter.
The characters drew me in, and I was engrossed until the end. A great first novel, I look forward to the next.
October 18, 2021
An excellent book about 2 women who struggled through WW2, family requirements, work and education restrictions on women. I was hesitant to read but the writing is outstanding in capturing the love between Maud & Bea's long lives. Wonderful story, highly recommend.
March 26, 2022
I loved this book. There are two timelines, one in present day and one during WWII. Each have their own love stories. The characters are well-drawn and the time and place comes alive. I will be rereading this. <3
March 30, 2024
5 Stars
Oh my god ugly crying type of book with a mixture of happiness, love and all the warm fuzzy feelingssss!
The dual POV was such a great move plus all the side characters added so much context and made the story richer and layered. This book deserved to win the Goldie.
Oh my god ugly crying type of book with a mixture of happiness, love and all the warm fuzzy feelingssss!
The dual POV was such a great move plus all the side characters added so much context and made the story richer and layered. This book deserved to win the Goldie.
September 8, 2024
3.5 Stars
December 7, 2024
I loved it. I'm a fan of historical fiction and it was an absolute favourite.
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December 11, 2023I did it! I completed at least one line in Jae's Sapphic Book Bingo, and I achieved my goal of reading one award-winning novel per month in 2023! I'm so much gayer and more cultured now!
I picked Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes for the "roommate romance" square because its setup stood out from other roommate romances I was finding. The dual timelines intrigued me, especially as this means historical lesbians, perhaps my all-time favorite sort of lesbian.
And I did enjoy the historical setting. I got very wrapped up in Bea and Maud's pre-WWII love story and the drama of whether they would get to be together. The Shakespeare! The Morse code! How romantic!
But I struggled more with the modern-day plot, largely because I hated Hannah's relationship with Suki, who treats her horribly, leading her on before they start dating and then hiding her afterward. I wanted their plotline to resolve with Hannah realizing that she deserves better, that she should be dating someone who isn't always in a horrible mood and in need of appeasement, but no!
I had other problems with this book, as well. Suki's culture as a Japanese woman felt very surface-level and inauthentic to me, limited as it is to, well, her reading manga and knowing the story of the little girl with leukemia who folded paper cranes? And that's about it? The pacing was also off, major problems stalled for ages before being solved way too quickly, and let's just not discuss the pillow talk.
I picked Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes for the "roommate romance" square because its setup stood out from other roommate romances I was finding. The dual timelines intrigued me, especially as this means historical lesbians, perhaps my all-time favorite sort of lesbian.
And I did enjoy the historical setting. I got very wrapped up in Bea and Maud's pre-WWII love story and the drama of whether they would get to be together. The Shakespeare! The Morse code! How romantic!
But I struggled more with the modern-day plot, largely because I hated Hannah's relationship with Suki, who treats her horribly, leading her on before they start dating and then hiding her afterward. I wanted their plotline to resolve with Hannah realizing that she deserves better, that she should be dating someone who isn't always in a horrible mood and in need of appeasement, but no!
I had other problems with this book, as well. Suki's culture as a Japanese woman felt very surface-level and inauthentic to me, limited as it is to, well, her reading manga and knowing the story of the little girl with leukemia who folded paper cranes? And that's about it? The pacing was also off, major problems stalled for ages before being solved way too quickly, and let's just not discuss the pillow talk.
February 12, 2025
I'm late at reading this,it was recommended to me by another reader. What a beautiful book! It takes remembering how hard same sex relationships were. Actually they still are, just maybe not as hard.
The love between Maud and Bea can't be privatized. They fight how ever than can to be together.
Then modern day Hannah and Suki have to determine how strong their love is. With Maud and Bea to help guide them.
I LOVE this book! A FAVORITE! Definitely more than 5 stars!
The love between Maud and Bea can't be privatized. They fight how ever than can to be together.
Then modern day Hannah and Suki have to determine how strong their love is. With Maud and Bea to help guide them.
I LOVE this book! A FAVORITE! Definitely more than 5 stars!
October 15, 2021
A romance to span the ages - from 1939 to 2019, this book will whip the rug out from under your feet with its unique storyline and double romance.
The past and present are flawlessly brought together to showcase a timeless love story, that has weathered many storms - from a world war to ill health and unscurpulous family members. This story will make your heart ache with emotion and an unbridled ambition to achieve the level of love and care displayed throughout Bea and Maud's lifetimes.
Whilst this book explores the past, it also firmly has one foot in the present. I enjoyed the inclusion of the (present day) budding romance between Hannah and Suki, and their discovery of Maud's past, and secret love via the letters sent between Bea and Maud in years gone by.
Hannah's own struggles with her Gammy, and her place in Suki's life, questions whether modern society is too quick to throw in the towel at the first sign of hardship. Love and understanding go a long way to repairing and reconciling the many broken and fragile relationships in this story. Ultimately paving the way for happiness and acceptance to win out.
All of the characters throughout the book are well developed. I particularly liked Harry and his laid back and tormentative, yet funny and caring older brother role. Meanwhile it was difficult to not want to give the self centred and hard arsed Amanda a literal slap at times.
The ending is truly sweet and heart warming and whilst this is a work of fiction, there are many factual points within this book which i found to be genuinely interesting. Not least the story of the paper cranes.
E.V. Bancroft's debut novel is certainly not one to be missed. The high quality of this initial debut ensures that i'll be seeking out what comes next from this author.
For now, Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes is sure to leave you warm and fuzzy, with a feeling of having traversed every minute of the last 80 years with Bea and Maud.
I received an ARC of this book for review from Butterworth Books, in exchange for an honest review.
The past and present are flawlessly brought together to showcase a timeless love story, that has weathered many storms - from a world war to ill health and unscurpulous family members. This story will make your heart ache with emotion and an unbridled ambition to achieve the level of love and care displayed throughout Bea and Maud's lifetimes.
Whilst this book explores the past, it also firmly has one foot in the present. I enjoyed the inclusion of the (present day) budding romance between Hannah and Suki, and their discovery of Maud's past, and secret love via the letters sent between Bea and Maud in years gone by.
Hannah's own struggles with her Gammy, and her place in Suki's life, questions whether modern society is too quick to throw in the towel at the first sign of hardship. Love and understanding go a long way to repairing and reconciling the many broken and fragile relationships in this story. Ultimately paving the way for happiness and acceptance to win out.
All of the characters throughout the book are well developed. I particularly liked Harry and his laid back and tormentative, yet funny and caring older brother role. Meanwhile it was difficult to not want to give the self centred and hard arsed Amanda a literal slap at times.
The ending is truly sweet and heart warming and whilst this is a work of fiction, there are many factual points within this book which i found to be genuinely interesting. Not least the story of the paper cranes.
E.V. Bancroft's debut novel is certainly not one to be missed. The high quality of this initial debut ensures that i'll be seeking out what comes next from this author.
For now, Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes is sure to leave you warm and fuzzy, with a feeling of having traversed every minute of the last 80 years with Bea and Maud.
I received an ARC of this book for review from Butterworth Books, in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was really intrigued by the premise of an older couple looking back on their relationship since you never really see elderly couples in romance novels. I loved how it intertwined with the past and present as well as the next generation on the precipice of making some of the same mistakes.
Maud and Bea are in the twilight of their lives and once again, the secrets they've kept for years about who they really are to each other and Maud's fear of coming out are conspiring to keep them apart, even though Maud promised they'd never be separated again.
Hannah is working on her doctorate and living with Suki, the woman she'd like to be partners with. But fears of coming out seem destined to keep them apart too. Plus, now she's got to reckon with her conservative, overbearing great aunt, who's been moved to a nursing home, and her rotten cousins, who share in the duty of the estate's executors.
But Maud and Hannah soon begin to learn that things are hardly ever what they seem and they have a lot more in common than they realize.
This book spans several decades and generations, taking readers back to a time when being out and proud was even more dangerous than it can be today, especially during a world war, and taking a look at same-sex relationships in contemporary life. It shows that some things, like love, are worth fighting for.
I was really intrigued by the premise of an older couple looking back on their relationship since you never really see elderly couples in romance novels. I loved how it intertwined with the past and present as well as the next generation on the precipice of making some of the same mistakes.
Maud and Bea are in the twilight of their lives and once again, the secrets they've kept for years about who they really are to each other and Maud's fear of coming out are conspiring to keep them apart, even though Maud promised they'd never be separated again.
Hannah is working on her doctorate and living with Suki, the woman she'd like to be partners with. But fears of coming out seem destined to keep them apart too. Plus, now she's got to reckon with her conservative, overbearing great aunt, who's been moved to a nursing home, and her rotten cousins, who share in the duty of the estate's executors.
But Maud and Hannah soon begin to learn that things are hardly ever what they seem and they have a lot more in common than they realize.
This book spans several decades and generations, taking readers back to a time when being out and proud was even more dangerous than it can be today, especially during a world war, and taking a look at same-sex relationships in contemporary life. It shows that some things, like love, are worth fighting for.
January 13, 2023
I loved this book!!
This is my favourite book I’ve read this year!! It was so so cute!!!! And although time jumps in novels usually annoy me or leave me feeling bored by one of the timelines, this was really seamless and well written. 5 stars from me :)
This is my favourite book I’ve read this year!! It was so so cute!!!! And although time jumps in novels usually annoy me or leave me feeling bored by one of the timelines, this was really seamless and well written. 5 stars from me :)
January 30, 2024
I have such confusing/mixed feelings about this book I don't know what to say. It felt like the longest book to read, but the end was nice and the characters grew on me.
June 27, 2025
Well written historical novel, highlighting the restrictions and life in Pre-World War II to modern times through the eyes of two women. Beautifully written. Highly recommend. Enjoyed the narrated version.
June 27, 2022
this is a novel that started off really strong, and you got to know the mc's easily as they were introduced. the dynamics between families, and friends was so clearly portrayed and i felt like i was in the story. i especially felt sorry for maud and i instantly like a novel more so when i'm made to care about the character.
but the flashbacks were the most interesting part of the novel, and i found the present pov was so vastly different in terms of writing and pace, that i was getting bored.
also not a massive fan of the subtle biphobia swimming in there.
but the flashbacks were the most interesting part of the novel, and i found the present pov was so vastly different in terms of writing and pace, that i was getting bored.
also not a massive fan of the subtle biphobia swimming in there.
August 24, 2022
4.5⭐️ This is such a well-written, beautiful novel set in the past and present-day. I was decidedly invested in both timelines' characters and their story arcs, but more so in Maud and Bea's heartfelt love story. They reminded me so much of Pat and Terry's story from the 2020 docu film 'A Secret Love.' So I, of course, shed some tears while reading 🤧
This is a wonderful book meant to be read slowly, but putting it down proved to be a real struggle 🥹
I highly recommend this! I just hope the author would never refer to clitoris as 'clitty' in their next novels—ever again 🙏🏼
This is a wonderful book meant to be read slowly, but putting it down proved to be a real struggle 🥹
I highly recommend this! I just hope the author would never refer to clitoris as 'clitty' in their next novels—ever again 🙏🏼
July 1, 2023
Wow
This was absolutely beautiful. I loved the two different love stories unfolding and the sacrifices that Bea and Maud made to be able to be together for a long time.
This was absolutely beautiful. I loved the two different love stories unfolding and the sacrifices that Bea and Maud made to be able to be together for a long time.
October 14, 2023
Review about the book and audiobook!
That was a journey through time of love.
It’ s about family and love in different kinds.
Maud and Bea who met and fell in love shortly before the Second World War.
A forbidden and secret love that will last for decades and Hannah and Suki, who live in the here and now and still have to go through similar hurdles like homophobia and injustice.
Maud is Hannah's aunt and neither of them initially knows that they like women.
It‘ s a secret. So many secrets.
They hide from each other for different reasons, of course. The story is delicate and at times so frustrating, because Maud in particular is under pressure from her family and has to live up to the expectations of her time as a woman.
Her fight to resist this at such a horrible time is enormous and admirable! Of course she does everything for her great love for Beatrice. Bea, who endures everything and has the patience of an angel! The relationship between niece and aunt is difficult. Hannah lost her mother and grandmother very early in a tragic accident and came to Maud and Bea as a teenager.
The two “friends” are not the beloved mother and understanding grandma that Hannah misses.
At least that's how she sees it at the age of 16.
The story begins in the present and Hannah is about to finish her PhD. She lives with her friend Suki, with whom she is head over heels in love.
Suki, however, is going through a heterosexual phase and wants to defend herself against her attraction to Hannah.
It's a slow but wonderful development.
The narrator is wonderful and does a fantastic job with the voices!
That was a journey through time of love.
It’ s about family and love in different kinds.
Maud and Bea who met and fell in love shortly before the Second World War.
A forbidden and secret love that will last for decades and Hannah and Suki, who live in the here and now and still have to go through similar hurdles like homophobia and injustice.
Maud is Hannah's aunt and neither of them initially knows that they like women.
It‘ s a secret. So many secrets.
They hide from each other for different reasons, of course. The story is delicate and at times so frustrating, because Maud in particular is under pressure from her family and has to live up to the expectations of her time as a woman.
Her fight to resist this at such a horrible time is enormous and admirable! Of course she does everything for her great love for Beatrice. Bea, who endures everything and has the patience of an angel! The relationship between niece and aunt is difficult. Hannah lost her mother and grandmother very early in a tragic accident and came to Maud and Bea as a teenager.
The two “friends” are not the beloved mother and understanding grandma that Hannah misses.
At least that's how she sees it at the age of 16.
The story begins in the present and Hannah is about to finish her PhD. She lives with her friend Suki, with whom she is head over heels in love.
Suki, however, is going through a heterosexual phase and wants to defend herself against her attraction to Hannah.
It's a slow but wonderful development.
The narrator is wonderful and does a fantastic job with the voices!
April 15, 2024
Now if I had a book of the week. This would be it. Magnificent.
This is a dual timeline and Point of view book that is beautifully written.
It shows how times have changed and the complexities of human emotions and actions.
Oh and I like books with cycling in them.
The story spans England just before the second world war starts to the modern day. Beautifully researched again - and effortlessly woven into the story.
A relationship that lasted throughout that time - from young love through to a care home.
This showed the implications of keeping your relationship hidden from family members - stopped in old age by the reactions of people in the 1930s and 40s. You will be sent to separate care homes and split up.
It also shows the perils of putting the younger generation in charge of the family trust fund without ensuring that there are mechanisms to allow you to live how you want to.
There were so many complex issues dealt with in this story - was she xenophobic as she would not tolerate the Japanese after her brother died due to the treatment he received at their hands in Singapore?
And her lesbian great niece, who they had brought up from a teenager, had a Japanese girlfriend.
And the epilogue - this time I was pleased it ended with a wedding rather than a funeral. 90 somethings getting married after 70 odd years together - I think I may have something in my eye!
This is a dual timeline and Point of view book that is beautifully written.
It shows how times have changed and the complexities of human emotions and actions.
Oh and I like books with cycling in them.
The story spans England just before the second world war starts to the modern day. Beautifully researched again - and effortlessly woven into the story.
A relationship that lasted throughout that time - from young love through to a care home.
This showed the implications of keeping your relationship hidden from family members - stopped in old age by the reactions of people in the 1930s and 40s. You will be sent to separate care homes and split up.
It also shows the perils of putting the younger generation in charge of the family trust fund without ensuring that there are mechanisms to allow you to live how you want to.
There were so many complex issues dealt with in this story - was she xenophobic as she would not tolerate the Japanese after her brother died due to the treatment he received at their hands in Singapore?
And her lesbian great niece, who they had brought up from a teenager, had a Japanese girlfriend.
And the epilogue - this time I was pleased it ended with a wedding rather than a funeral. 90 somethings getting married after 70 odd years together - I think I may have something in my eye!
January 28, 2022
This is a superb debut novel by E.V. Bancroft. It’s rare that I get hooked from the first page, but it happened. Having simultaneous stories in one book, one historical romance and one contemporary can be tricky, but this worked so well and was skilfully handled. My heart ached for Maud and Bea, and there were times when I really wanted to shake Maud because she had such a devotion to her family duties…but she remained determined and resolute in her beliefs. Will love win? You’ll have to wait and see! I highly recommend this beautiful novel…and trust me, it’ll have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. More please E.V. Bancroft.
April 20, 2023
Two intertwined stories--the contemporary setting for Hannah, a graduate student, and Suki, her roommate involved with a man, but who Hannah pines away for; and a historical look back at Maud, Hannah's great aunt, and Bea. Told interchangeably from Maud's and Hannah's POV, the book begins with 90 year old Maud in a nursing home separated from Bea, and Hannah focused on her dissertation, stubbornly avoiding visiting Maud. The historical story begins when Maud and Bea meet right before WWII in Britain and takes us through the war years and beyond, including the time period when Hannah, a rebellious teenager who'd just lost her mother and grandmother, lived with Maud and Bea.
The historical research and the overall construction of the novel were quite good, and there were times when I felt fully engaged. But not always. I felt there were sections that dragged a bit, and it was not always easy to understand why Bea loved Maud, who clung to notions of tradition and duty to the detriment of her relationship. I kept thinking that Bea could do better.
The historical research and the overall construction of the novel were quite good, and there were times when I felt fully engaged. But not always. I felt there were sections that dragged a bit, and it was not always easy to understand why Bea loved Maud, who clung to notions of tradition and duty to the detriment of her relationship. I kept thinking that Bea could do better.
April 17, 2025
Oh! This book! This wonderfully written book was such a beautiful love story. They had loved each other from the first time they met. Their love always remained but they were denied from being together at the end of their lives by a controlling family member. Financial costs and particular health needs had them in separate retirement facilities. Their journey, the struggles and how they managed to find happiness isn’t a spoiler because it’s a definite HEA!
Bea and Maud, sprinkled with some Shakespeare and some secret Morse Code taps that the lovers shared. This was an award winning, emotional historical fiction novel that stole my heart.
The book spanned the time period from WWII to modern day. It was filled with a wonderful cast of supporting characters who all added greatly to the story. Notably are the younger Hannah and Suki, another couple who love but face both similar but different struggles dealing with Suki’s beliefs in her heterosexuality.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the exquisite Juanita McMahon who eloquently delivered the emotions.
Bea and Maud, sprinkled with some Shakespeare and some secret Morse Code taps that the lovers shared. This was an award winning, emotional historical fiction novel that stole my heart.
The book spanned the time period from WWII to modern day. It was filled with a wonderful cast of supporting characters who all added greatly to the story. Notably are the younger Hannah and Suki, another couple who love but face both similar but different struggles dealing with Suki’s beliefs in her heterosexuality.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the exquisite Juanita McMahon who eloquently delivered the emotions.
July 19, 2024
3,5/5
Well well.
This book features a dual time love story,about two women who passed trough a lot of things to be together, but even at their old age it seems they still have some obstacles in their way.Trough the book we get flashbacks, do understand where they're coming from,how did they ended up in the present, how did the love story started to bloom.
But it isn't the only love story,but it may as well have been,beacause I could not want Hannah and Suki together. Even tho they're old enough, they're not mature at all.
Individual I don't have any arguments about them being interesting characters, but together???nahhh yall better stay away from each other since like 6 years ago
I could understand where this was going, and I was picking sides every new chapter.Which wasn't great because it's never easy to see your favourite character making mistakes that you can't defend so you'll most definitely just forget.
Well well.
This book features a dual time love story,about two women who passed trough a lot of things to be together, but even at their old age it seems they still have some obstacles in their way.Trough the book we get flashbacks, do understand where they're coming from,how did they ended up in the present, how did the love story started to bloom.
But it isn't the only love story,but it may as well have been,beacause I could not want Hannah and Suki together. Even tho they're old enough, they're not mature at all.
Individual I don't have any arguments about them being interesting characters, but together???nahhh yall better stay away from each other since like 6 years ago
I could understand where this was going, and I was picking sides every new chapter.Which wasn't great because it's never easy to see your favourite character making mistakes that you can't defend so you'll most definitely just forget.
February 19, 2022
Heartwrenching
A very good read. Also, just heart breaking to think of all the lives ruined by hate, prejudice, bigoted dogma, and all of the evils that humanity has managed to dredge up to plague ourselves with.
The book is great. The juxtaposition of past and future, I’d the two couples, makes for an enthralling read and a very fascinating story.
For myself though, the book brought up emotion and introspection. WW2 was not so long ago. The events of which the author describes are still within living memory, though that will change soon with time. The world has improved in so many ways, but this novel is also a reminder that that change is also reliant on us to make individual progress to improve things for the better.
A very good read. Also, just heart breaking to think of all the lives ruined by hate, prejudice, bigoted dogma, and all of the evils that humanity has managed to dredge up to plague ourselves with.
The book is great. The juxtaposition of past and future, I’d the two couples, makes for an enthralling read and a very fascinating story.
For myself though, the book brought up emotion and introspection. WW2 was not so long ago. The events of which the author describes are still within living memory, though that will change soon with time. The world has improved in so many ways, but this novel is also a reminder that that change is also reliant on us to make individual progress to improve things for the better.
December 10, 2022
Awesome debut!
I loved this novel. It's both historical, set in the early 20th century, and contemporary - and some of the characters are seen in both timeframes! We see two women in love, struggling to be together in a time when the idea of a married couple of two women was inconceivable - and a time when a romantic relationship between to women would destroy their lives.
Then we see the same women as they fight to remain together in their final years, when a greedy, selfish relative does their best to keep them apart - and when another young relative - and her girlfriend - joins the fight on the side of right.
Through the course of the story, both couples learn and grow from their interactions.
The story is richly told, with appealing, relatable characters - and one despicable villain - and a pair of story lines that merge into one, remaining compelling from start to end.
It's hard to believe this is the author's debut novel. It's magnificent!
I loved this novel. It's both historical, set in the early 20th century, and contemporary - and some of the characters are seen in both timeframes! We see two women in love, struggling to be together in a time when the idea of a married couple of two women was inconceivable - and a time when a romantic relationship between to women would destroy their lives.
Then we see the same women as they fight to remain together in their final years, when a greedy, selfish relative does their best to keep them apart - and when another young relative - and her girlfriend - joins the fight on the side of right.
Through the course of the story, both couples learn and grow from their interactions.
The story is richly told, with appealing, relatable characters - and one despicable villain - and a pair of story lines that merge into one, remaining compelling from start to end.
It's hard to believe this is the author's debut novel. It's magnificent!
August 24, 2024
I can't understand why this book doesn't have more reviews. So I am writing this in the hope that it will find many more readers. I loved immersing myself in the story. I wish more people would discover this gem. Rarely have I read a story where I could follow a couple through their lives for over 75 years. The story has its difficult moments, but it brought again and agein a smile on my face.
If you enjoy audio books, I would highly recommend to listen to the story. I had to get used to the slow pace at first, but after that I found the style and voice to be perfect.
If you read the book because of this review, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Let me know.
If you enjoy audio books, I would highly recommend to listen to the story. I had to get used to the slow pace at first, but after that I found the style and voice to be perfect.
If you read the book because of this review, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Let me know.
November 28, 2021
Beautiful story
I thoroughly enjoy novels like this that exist between different decades - you get two simultaneous stories in one book. In this case, one was an epic romance spanning decades, and the other was a contemporary romance where a deep family secret was finally revealed. The long enduring relationship faced countless hurdles right before WWII and continued through six decades. I wish that we could have had more about their lives together throughout those years because it probably would have been amazing. This book is a must read!
I thoroughly enjoy novels like this that exist between different decades - you get two simultaneous stories in one book. In this case, one was an epic romance spanning decades, and the other was a contemporary romance where a deep family secret was finally revealed. The long enduring relationship faced countless hurdles right before WWII and continued through six decades. I wish that we could have had more about their lives together throughout those years because it probably would have been amazing. This book is a must read!
December 6, 2021
This is a book which tells an important story, one shared by so many women across the last century and beyond. The secrecy demanded of gay women by a casually homophobic society has maimed and confined many intelligent, caring women's lives. Forced to keep the nature of their relationships out of the public eye, they have ended up often denying the very essence of who they are. The story of Maud and Bea is a love story, and one which does have a happy ending. But beyond that it is a beautifully written book, with excellent research behind it. Definitely a writer to follow, and to cherish.
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